Have you done any posts about the backyard sports stuff? I have three boys too and looking for ideas.. yours looks like quite the setup!
We have a sport court that the boys play basketball on constantly and is a true god send with three kids but we have a lot of sports paraphernalia surrounding it, too! We have this net for them to hit baseballs into (they also use it as a soccer/football net). We have this rack to hold every type of ball made under the sun. We have this baseball tee, this net for soccer, and a trampoline. I can’t think of anything else.. just a whole lot of balls.. literally lol.
What kind of sauna do you guys use, how often, and what are the benefits?
Heather: I have a traditional sauna at home. Saunas are used for various purposes, including detoxification, relaxation, and, increasingly, to help treat or prevent various health conditions. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can improve pain and mood, reduce the risk of developing heart disease and Alzheimer’s, and even increase longevity.
My husband uses it daily for 20 minutes at a time and I use it about 5x/week for 15-20 minutes/session for maximum benefits. I heard on a podcast that you get the most out of a sauna if you’re doing it 90-120 minutes/week.. could be wrong about that though unsure unsure. We crank it HIGH at 190+ degrees but this is all based on personal preference (infrared saunas do not get as hot which is why people can stay in them longer). What I’ve read is that typically, traditional saunas should be used in the morning to wake you up and infrared saunas should be used at night (as the red light stimulates melatonin production). I use mine directly after working out in the am for the most part and then take a cold shower immediately after (hot/cold therapy has proven to lower your stress hormone.. kind of important in today’s society). But this all comes down to personal preference and access to a traditional or infrared sauna. There haven’t been enough studies to compare the two side by side to determine which is better but infrared is “buzz-worthy” right now so you’re probably hearing about it more. At the end of the day, they provide the same benefits… it all comes down to practicality, comfort, and personal preference.
Alix: At our old house we had this sauna and loved it. We plan to get another similar one at the new house soon. I now go to a spa that has an infrared sauna and their website does a good job explaining all the benefits here. I try to go 1-2 x week (more would be ideal, but I don’t have the time). I have the temp set around 165 and stay in for 40-45 minutes. I like to listen to a podcast or book, drink my iced water with LMNT in it and SWEAT!
How old is your youngest son and when do you plan to move him from the crib to a big boy bed? Will you do a toddler bed or straight to something bigger?
Parker is 3.5 and we are just now thinking of moving the monster to a big boy bed. I moved Jack and Cam before age 2 because I needed their crib for the next one. Parker is obviously my last baby but he’s starting to talk about wanting a bed. The other reason I am thinking of moving him is because he wakes up dry every morning and I want to get rid of the pull ups altogether. I won’t do this until he’s in a bed and has access to the bathroom in the middle of the night… and I think we’re there. I won’t do a toddler bed for him but this one worked wonders for my other two (again, they were younger). I think I will move Parker this summer when our bedtime rules become a little more loosey goosey compared to the school year and he can get used to his newfound freedom. But honestly, there should be no rush to move your kids from the crib if they aren’t climbing out and feel safe and secure. Parker just has two older brothers he sees climbing into a real bed and is starting to ask a billion questions about it and I’m almost ready to give in 😉
I’m looking for a new bed frame that is good quality. Any ideas?
Alix: We have a bed like this one from West Elm (ours has storage drawers under which I like) and it’s been through two moves with us and has held up great. This article might help with your decision making!
How do you keep your sheets so white?!
Bleach?! But honestly, white sheets are actually more practical than some colors because of bleach. And I can spot treat them with Folex/bleach before putting them in the washing machine. This stuff is my favorite for spot treating just about anything.
All about hair…fave shampoo/conditioner, dry shampoo, hair oil, masks, how to manage post workout hair, frequency washing, etc?!
Heather: I only wash my hair once maybe twice/week and here are the products I use. This Shampoo mixed with this purple shampoo (to keep ends bright) | Conditioner | Dry Shampoo | Texturizing Spray | Hair Oil | Leave in Conditioner | Heat Protectant Mist (when I blow dry) | Split End Seal
What is the difference between coconut aminos and tamari? Why are coconut aminos touted as healthier?
Coconut aminos are touted as a healthier option because they are for the most part. Coconut aminos have significantly less sodium than tamari…actually half the amount of low sodium tamari sauce. It’s soy and gluten free if those are ingredients you’re avoiding for whatever reason. Coconut aminos have a similar flavor to tamari, but since so much less sodium the flavor is more subtle in dishes, but you can swap out at a 1:1 ratio. Coconut aminos are not a health food though, just a healthier condiment option to soy sauce and tamari.
My birthday is coming up and I don’t know what to ask for. Open to any suggestions!
Happy birthday! I wrote this post with my bday wishlist this year that might give some ideas.
Here are a few other ideas:
Have a good weekend!
xx, Alix + Heather
