DIY Moby Wrap (For under $10!)

 

We recently welcomed our little Harper bundle into the world! 4 weeks ago, to be exact. I can't even believe how fast time is flying by! :( Makes me ridiculously sad! Soooooo.... that's why I've decided that I really need to jump in on the "baby wearing". HA! More time I get to spend with our little gal? I think YES! But for real. WHY did I never do this with our son?! For all you mommas out there that are already on the baby wearing train- GREAT idea! Really. Whoever thought of this is a genius! I LOVE having my hands free for helping our two year old, making dinner, getting makeup on, fixing my hair, etc. And I've only used this for one day! lol Just think of all the things I can now do so much easier! (And all the projects I can craft! haha)

 

I know that most Mommas out there love a great deal. You would be silly if you didn't. I also love a good deal. That's why when I set out to find a Moby wrap, I also found the price tag that goes along with it. Yikes. I have a SUPER hard time spending that kind of change on something that I could probably make myself, so I set out to find a tutorial to make my own wrap.

 

To say the least, my eyes started watering after the first three posts I came across. Use this fabric. Don't use that kind. Make sure to sew it like this. Add a tag. Yadda, yadda. Ok. I'm a pretty simple gal. If instructions are more than a couple of pages long, I'm sure to not try it. Lets also be real- when you have two kids, who in the world has that much time to read directions?! You just want to get to the project.. and get it whipped out before kid #1 and #2 wake up from naps or get grumpy.

 

So here it is:

 

Go to your local fabric store. (I wouldn't suggest WalMart like I popped into really quick. Their selection of jersey knits stink!)

Pick out a jersey knit fabric.

Buy 2.5 yards.

Cut your fabric down the center long ways, or "hot dog style".

Pick two ends and sew them together (as seen below), creating a super long, obnoxious piece of fabric. lol

Watch like 1 or 2 Youtube videos on how to tie your Moby wrap (Or have an experienced Mommy show you!)

Use every day because life is now so much easier! ;)

 

That's it.

I also have other great news!! The fabric I chose cost around $8!

 

WIN.

 

I also use mine as a nursing cover! ;)

Life's Precious Moments

I sometimes wish that I could capture these moments- right now, right this second- forever. I know that someday I will miss chasing our little guy around and feeling the newest little gal tossing and turning in my tummy. Landon saying, "Mower? Side?" Every time he wants to go outside and just sit on the lawn mower for hours. The mornings where we are all in bed together and Landon wakes up with big, sleepy eyes and says, "Hi, mom!" The countless times I have to turn the car around at the end of the driveway because we forgot one of his trucks. (Even after he already packed 7 or 8 into the car! ha!)
Sometimes, the struggle is real. I don't feel like getting out of bed when Landon is ready to. I don't feel like picking up a trail of a gazillion toys from the living room all the way to our bedroom. I really don't want to trek another load of laundry up and down the stairs to be washed.
But when I think of how blessed I am to have my tiny, growing family, I realize that it is all too soon that these things will be missing from my life. Eventually, Landon and even our unborn little gal will be all grown up and on their own. Someday they won't need me to make the bed or fold their laundry.
As I'm so emotional right now because of my second pregnancy, I do cry about it. A lot. haha I cry because I don't want Landon to grow up. I cry because I love my husband and family so much and I'm so thankful for them. I cry because I burnt something cooking. I cry because I just want to cry. It's pretty pathetic. I'm so thankful that my husband puts up with me! ;)
I just want to offer some quick advice. This is probably one of the shortest posts I've ever posted- but it was just what was on my heart.
Cherish each moment that God gives you with your children, husband and family. Even little tiny ones in the womb can be cherished, and I suggest it! My little man is almost 2, and these past two years has gone by ridiculously fast! Don't forget the way that they hold your finger so tight right after they were born. Don't forget the way that they splash in the tub or make messes all over the house. Because, before too long you will be in the next phase of life and they will be on to the next new things. ;)
Well, what do you know. I am crying again. So I will need to go get a tissue. Darn hormones! haha!

Easy One Bowl Brownies (Gluten-Free Option Available)

As a mom, I really detest extra clean up. I would MUCH rather watch our son playing with his trains and trucks, or spend more time outside, than cleaning up messes. So.... this is why I've come up with the best brownies.

 

 

 

No really.

Who doesn't love warm, ooey, gooey, chocolate?! And who also doesn't love less mess to deal with in the kitchen! That's part of the reason why they are the best! lol

Well, I'm here to tell you that THIS is it. Sure, I guess you can't beat the simplicity of a boxed mix, but people! Do a good thing, and do what's right! ha! I love baking and cooking from scratch, and your family will thank you for it, too!

Here it goes. Ready? Dump the below ingredients all together in a mixing bowl and mix until incorporated together. Pour into a prepared 9x13 baking dish and sprinkle on your chocolate chips, and bake on 350* for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. (You don't want to over cook... that is what will give your brownies that gooey texture!)

 

 

 

 

That's it! Honest! How amazing is that?! Pair with some vanilla ice cream or just eat it right out of the pan by itself. But shhhhh! I won't tell if you do that! ;)

And while everything is baking.. you can put your little ones to work with the cleanup- just because it's so easy! ha!

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 and ¾ cups flour 

5 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup cocoa powder

1+ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

 

Note: I did substitute regular flour with a gluten free baking flour that I had. If you have a favorite gluten free mix that you use, feel free to substitute the flour for that! I used the same amounts.