Thanks to Leslie Knope, this is the day we ladies want to celebrate - our gal pals! I hope you have big plans with your friends today, whether it's a cozy brunch, a fun shopping spree, or a girls' night out on the town. You deserve some quality time with your squad, mama, so go ahead and indulge in laughter, love, and unforgettable memories!

• Quiet Time Transition: Nap time may have run its course, but we have a few tips to help you navigate the next phase of toddlerhood.

• To Stream or Not to Stream: Find ways to help you cut back your streaming bill without sacrificing your favorite shows and movies.

• Invest in Your Relationship: This is your friendly reminder to carve out time for each other and nurture the bond that brought you together in the first place.

PARENTING

Surviving Nap-pocalypse. 😴

The day you realize your child might not need a nap anymore can feel like a day of mourning – that cherished hour break is necessary for our sanity! My oldest, almost 7, still loves a good nap, but alas, school gets in the way. However, my youngest? Well, he's ready for the naptime battle every single day. But fear not, fellow mamas! If you're in the midst of this transition, there's still hope for a few precious minutes to yourself. Quiet time to the rescue!

First, how do you know if your child is truly ready for no nap? According to The Good Night House, here are a few signs to be on the lookout for – check out the link for even more signs.

• Uncharacteristic night wakings.

• Shortened nap duration.

• Consistent early morning wakings (between 4am-6am).

• Struggle to fall asleep at a regular bedtime.

• Remaining awake throughout the entire nap period.

• Ability to skip a nap and remain content until bedtime – hyperactivity indicates overtiredness.

Here are a few more helpful resources on the 1 to 0 nap transition, including signs and schedule tips to gracefully make the transition. 🥱

Baby Sleep Trainer – Link here.

Tiny Beans – Link here.

Sleep Foundation – Link here.

So, signs are pointing to the “quiet time” transition. We’ve got you covered with tons of ideas for your child to do for their restful hour (or two😅). Check out Very Well Family for a good start!

🎙️ The Toddler Playbook has a whopping 16 screen-free ideas to keep your little ones happily engaged during downtime. My personal favorite? Audiobooks and podcasts. NY Times has a great list of kid-friendly options here.

PRO TIP: the trickiest part of quiet time is keeping them in their space for an extended period. Invest in a toddler clock ⏰ to notify them when rest time is over – it will give them a sense of independence!

BUDGETING

Maybe I should have stuck with cable. 📺

It seemed like a smart move to ditch cable and switch to streaming services to save money. But I soon discovered, it's not that simple. Instead of one bill, I found myself juggling multiple subscriptions. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime – the list goes on. Each network now has its streaming service, and suddenly, saving money feels like a never-ending game of catch-up. Turns out, cutting the cord wasn't the financial relief I'd hoped for. Lesson learned: sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

THE FACTS: According to Consumer Reports:

• More than half of American households say they subscribe to four or more streaming services. And almost 1 in 10 subscribe to nine or more. 

• 42 percent of consumers say they’ve forgotten about a streaming subscription that they were still paying for but no longer used.

Let’s get back to saving money! Check out these tips we’ve found for you.

💸 ZDNET advises you to take advantage of offers from your mobile provider – most give free access to major streaming services. I get MAX for free through AT&T!

💸CNET tells readers to know when each streaming service is charging. If you want to cancel, make sure you do it before the next billing cycle.

💸 USA Today calls it the “art of binging and bailing” – watch a show then cancel before the next billing cycle. If something comes out you want to watch down the road, do it again!

Break it down for me… Here is an extensive list of all the streaming services available, the cost, and the different tiers you can choose from.

📱There’s an app for that. Technology comes to the rescue with easy-to-use services, helping you trim your streaming bill effortlessly.

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Put your partner first.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my mom role overshadows my wife role - even on holidays like Valentine’s Day. If I’m not careful or intentional, I can begin to neglect the relationship that made my family possible in the first place. But a strong partnership with my spouse is not only good for me, it also has a positive impact on my kids.

Why You Shouldn’t Love Your Kids More Than Your Partner

Research strongly suggests that children whose parents love each other are much happier and more secure than those raised in a loveless environment. Loving your spouse has a ripple effect on your children's happiness and sense of security. Check out this insightful piece from TIME for more.

Investing in Your Relationship 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

We’ve gathered some expert advice and resources to help you prioritize your partnership:

• Relationship Rituals: Discover the secret to a happy marriage through meaningful rituals. 

• Keys to Success: Communication, appreciation, quality time—explore these essential elements of a successful marriage. 

• Expert-Backed Tips: Learn six practical tips to foster a happier, healthier marriage. 

• Strengthening Agreements: A couples therapist shares five agreements that can fortify your relationship. 

🥰 And don't forget to prioritize date nights! If you're looking for inspiration, revisit our recent newsletter for some fantastic date night ideas: 20 Unique & Fun Date Night Gift Ideas for Couples.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🫚🥤True or False? Ginger Ale is good for your stomach. Unfortunately, no. Ginger flavoring isn’t the same thing as active ginger root.

🥪🥜DIY Sandwiches. Don’t give Smuckers another dime. It’s so easy to make your own Uncrustables and freeze them for future use.

👕👖Teachable moment. Check out this handy trick to teaching your kids how to fold laundry. Probably a handy tool for your husband too!

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