CLICK HERE TO SHOP SCARLETT TEE 

I was never big into baking around the holidays until this year when my daughter Scarlett became old enough to understand what Christmas is all about. I want to make as many wonderful traditions and magical memories for her as possible! So no better way to kick off the season than with some super quick and easy sugar cookies! (Because let's be honest, as moms quick and easy is music to our ears)

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp of baking soda

1/2 tsp of baking powder

1 cup of butter - softened 

1 1/2 cups of white sugar 

1 egg

1 tsp of vanilla extract 

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2) In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Or if you would like to get creative with shapes simply roll out the dough and use Christmas cookie cutters for some fun!

3) Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

SUGAR COOKIE ICING 

2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 Tablespoons light corn syrup

2 Tablespoons milk, more as needed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, can also use almond extract

1) Whisk together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, milk and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk until icing is smooth and glossy. It should be thick if you are using it as a piping. Add a 1/2 teaspoon more milk at a time to make the filling. 

2) tiny with your choice of icing color 

3) Spread the icing onto the cookies using a knife, spoon or frosting bag or bottle. 

4) Add lots of fun sprinkles ✨

FOLLOW CLAIRE ON INSTAGRAM

                                               love the tees? shop here

I got the “bright” idea to start potty training my two-year-old son while I was 36 weeks pregnant with my daughter. He was completely potty trained by the end of our third day! So trust me, if I could do it- you totally can!

These are my 5 tips to help potty training go a little less crappy (get it?).

1. Ditch the diapers completely.

When my son started potty training, my first step was to get rid of diapers (and pull-ups) completely. I believe that him knowing he had no backup plan for not using the potty, and being able to feel if he had an accident is a huge reason why potty training went so fast with him. It may seem scary (and yes, it’s a bit messy) but it’s worth the clean up!

2. Talk to your child (A LOT) about the potty.

It is important for your child to know that it not only a positive thing to use the potty,

but completely normal as well! If you’re comfortable with the idea you can even bring them to the bathroom with you or let them know when you are going. Talking to them about it constantly also helps remind them to go (and you to take them!).

SHOP NO PANTS SEASON TEES NOW

3. Do not get upset or punish when your child has an accident.

It can be so frustrating when despite all of your efforts and preparation, your child

still has an accident (or two...or three...or ten). But keeping the potty positive is an

important part of long term success. So instead of getting upset or punishing your

child, try talking to them about why you would prefer they used the potty instead of

going in their pants.

4. The 15 minute rule.

To prevent accidents from happening in the first place, try using “the 15 minute rule”. Every 15 minutes have your child sit on the potty. Encourage them to go, but

don’t require that they do so. Using a timer (there are even free apps with potty training timers!) is a great way to help you remember. This will also help establish a routine of using the potty often. As your child has fewer accidents you can increase the time between potty trips.

5. Know when to call it quits.

You know your child best, and if they aren’t ready, they aren’t ready. Save yourself the tears and the mess and try again after a month or two. While you wait, continue asking if they’d like to sit on the potty, read books about potty training, listen to

songs- just keep it apart of their daily routine in some way so the next time you try to potty train- they (and you!) are that much more prepared!

Hang in there momma- you got this!

CLICK HERE TO BUY OUR LOVE WINS TEE AND GET FREE SHIPPING 

Shopping small has brought some of the most amazing people into our lives. The connection and friendships you build are one of the biggest reasons we love to shop small. The women behind these small shops and I joke about how we wished we lived closer to grab a coffee or have a playdate with the kids at the park. There are late night messages and long talks that have been had and many more to follow.

SNAG A GRATITUDE ONESIE TO YOU LITTLE

Supporting moms and the businesses they are passionate about make it absolutely worth it. Putting yourself out there and starting a business can be a daunting task. I know. When I began my photography business I was extremely nervous. You want people to like your work and what you’re producing. Each time you purchase from a small shop you are sending them a bit of encouragement. You are letting them know that the work they are doing is amazing and to keep it up!

I love knowing more about the process and how the item I purchased from a small shop was created. Shopping small is making an impact and you can see that even in your big name stores. Investing in long lasting & high quality small shop items is a game changer! You are investing in items that your little ones will be able to pass down to their own kids one day. You are investigating in clothing that will last through more than one child. You are investing in a real person with a family and a passion for what they are doing.

Invest in small, you won't regret it ♡

       FOLLOW KEZIA ON INSTAGRAM