Take It From Tina

Why hello, old friend! It seems only fitting to fire up my blog with the welcoming of a new year. I am feeling, 20-20-2 as the Swifties put it!   I missed you. I cherish writing and sharing motherhood, faith, fashion and cooking with you all. It’s my passion and a way to connect with other moms and girlfriends. After being struck by a global pandemic and our daily lives disrupted in almost every way, connection can be more of a struggle. My goal is to share raw, genuine motherhood with a bit of flare, meal hacks, toddler tips and tricks, with a side of CocoMelon swag. For starters, we had another baby! Eleanor Jean was born on Nov. 15, 2019 - one month before COVID-19 hit the Pacific Northwest. Her name means light, and she certainly lives up to that. She is the cherry on top of our sundae, and completes our family in every way. The last two years have been wild. I never would imagine we would be where we are today, but here we are. I am so thankful for my husband, my rock and m...

Spring is here and that means freshly planted annuals, barbecues and glorious sunshine on my face. We are in the beginning phase of a few home improvement projects this summer and I have gone full blown Joanna Gaines: farmhouse, shiplap and white-shaker everything. My husband loves me, I swear. And not just this time of year (although it comes in a strong tie with fall and my obscure love for pumpkins and spiced chais), spring signifies new beginnings, second chances and a fresh start. I am so grateful for a fresh start each spring. The crisp aroma of the outdoors after the dead of winter and new life growing on the ground encourage me that better days are ahead. I am so ready for the birth of new relationships, trust, empathy and forgiveness this year. Like you, people have disappointed me. Our role models have disappointed us. But disappointment doesn't have to leave us paralyzed. We are all human and mess up daily. I need the correction of the Holy Spirit and His daily mea...

I never understood No Shave November. Why does it only apply to men? What's the appeal of looking like a lumberjack for a month and carousing one's face.... or legs? Just asking for a friend. No, seriously though. Beyond extraordinarily hairy faces, November is a great month! It's socially acceptable to start playing Christmas music, bake a little more, stay home diffusing oils (okay, I do this 365 days a year), and cozying up with a good book near the fire. Can I get an amen? This month, our family seems to be all over the place. I work out of town five days a week, I am a small business owner , my husband is transitioning in his role at work, he started a band , and our son is talking. You read that right: Ezra is using big boy words! I can't. I just can't. That and potty training a 19 month old just about does it for me. To make the most of this moment, we decided to take a trip to a local pumpkin patch. A dear friend of ours captured the most wonderful s...

Some days I just want nachos. And not just any nachos, but I prefer the super version with tons of cheese smothered in chicken and sour cream. Gahhh.....! My body can't handle dairy and I know I would be up all night doing God knows what. But gosh, some days I want them bad! Can you relate? Do you have a cheat meal you love, but struggle to plan your meals so you can stay on target with your wellness goals? If so, you're in good company. Most people talk about meal prepping likes its some sort of college biology course. But I am here to tell you it doesn't have to be that confusing! When I don't meal plan, I am more susceptible to those giant plates of nachos I was talking about. I am a huge proponent of planning ahead so I know EXACTLY what to expect and how to control my hunger pains (and mood swings too!). Can you see my Type A personality now? The good news is, it's not difficult to plan. In fact, it can be really simple and affordable. People ask me all the...

Last month, my parents took our family to Disneyland . We had the most magical time soaking up the sun together and dreaming of more dole whip in the happiest place on earth. Since this was Ezra's first flight and Mickey experience, I wanted to make sure I was schooled up on what to bring and expect. Let me tell you - there are hidden tips and tricks to give you an even bigger bang for your buck, a smoother ride and happier experience while visiting Disneyland with kids and babies. We have already experienced those let-down moments where we forgot something important, didn't check the crucial website, or spent time waiting in the wrong line. From our favorite places to eat to our packing must-haves, I am sharing my best kept secrets so you can enjoy the same. 1. Pack a folding stroller . The park has their own strollers you can rent, but nothing compares to your babies own stroller with plenty storage beneath. Most areas in both Disneyland and California Adventure have stro...

I knew the moment I held my son for the first time in my arms I would be "that mom." The kind that thought his coos and farts were precious, his squishy legs and wrists were yummy, and nothing in the world mattered when late night nursing sessions were at play. While I adore those moments still, they are quickly passing. We nurse less. We want dad more. We babble. We are cruising from couch to table, and try to even stand on our own. We have three "toofers" as Daddy and I call then. Three! Please stop growing little one. Everything we had prayed for had been compiled into one perfect eight-pound-six-ounce bundle of joy. Ezra's a boy with his own personality and quirks that make him who he is. People ask me all the time 'who is he most like?' and while he is equal parts of his Dad and I, he is entirely his own person. He gets upset when I cover the electrical outlets or don't let him eat the dog's food. He loves his bath time and snuggling...