Blog – Page 11 of 16 – Simplified Motherhood

How to clean your house fast and efficiently

December 10, 2018December 3, 2024
by Jessica Whitney

The battle is real when it comes to decluttering, keeping things clean, and overall being presentable when you’re exhausted from breastfeeding a newborn all night, emotionally drained from toddler battle of wills, and you’ve been rushing around from event to event the past few days with a pile of mail on the counter, laundry piled up, and Lego’s strewn across the living room floor.

And when you’re about to have guests – ahhhhh!

“How do I clean my house fast and efficiently before they get here?!”

In this post, I’ll cover the most-importante areas I focus on in the last 30 minutes before guests arrive.

I focus on these so I stop stressing out my family by freaking-out with a long to do list.

I know that a clean house is a huge weight on a mom’s shoulders and can cause significant stress and frustration.

Mama, I don’t want that for you.

I want to help you simplify your to-do list and enjoy the present more. I want you to know that young motherhood doesn’t have to mean constantly being tired and stressed and overwhelmed.

Mental Load & Mindset

[Mom burnout] is a real thing. Let’s quit taking…

December 8, 2018June 4, 2025
by Jessica Whitney

Mom burnout is a real thing. You don’t have an effective to do list and you’re struggling with your finances but haven’t started a budget,. Everything is piling up and you just don’t know how to cope with the pressure. You absolutely feel like you’re doing your best even though it feels like you’re failing left and right.

The littlest things set you off. You are constantly frustrated and annoyed. Most specifically, people in your immediate family are beginning to frustrate you with everything they do!

Don’t they know you’re doing your best, why is it they are intentionally trying to make your life harder than it has to be?

You have no more left to give. You are burnt out and no one seems to care.

But what IF they really do? How can you change your mindset to recognize that?

P. S. Don’t forget to check out other articles on Overcoming Mom Burnout!

Mental Load & Mindset

14 Ways to Bring Mom Life to the Next…

November 28, 2018June 4, 2025
by Jessica Whitney

Life certainly transforms after a baby. Your body goes through changes. Priorities change. You spend your time doing different tasks from day to day. And you may even be able to say that “life as you knew it” is over. But, life itself isn’t over after babies.

Mom life is the best life.

It’s hard to see in the daily grind. And sometimes I feel like I’m in a rut. But it’s so important for us to do our best to bring mom life to the next level even as a new mom.

It’s important for us to hope and believe that it IS possible to live the best life right in the middle of the sleepless nights, diaper changes, and sticky floors.

Here are some tips to get there!

Motherhood + Parenting

Christmas Photos: How to coordinate outfits around a Matilda…

November 26, 2018October 23, 2024
by Jessica Whitney

I don’t know about you, but coordinating Christmas outfits that won’t break the bank sometimes stresses me out. How can you have cute, unique outfits that aren’t SUPER boring but still stay in budget? This was especially true this year!

I found an adorable Matilda Jane Glad Tidings dress during a Trunk Sale (more than 50% off). It doesn’t quite scream Christmas, so I was okay with getting it for our family photos and she’ll be able to wear it for more than Christmas!

The only “problem” per se is that it’s hard to coordinate outfits with Matilda Jane or clothes with very distinct patterns during family pictures!

Mental Load & Mindset

5 Things That Are Keeping You In the Mom…

November 20, 2018March 12, 2026
by Jessica Whitney

You feel lethargic. You don’t want to do anything on your to-do list because it’s too overwhelming. You feel like you’re forgetting stuff all the time, and you’re dropping life’s juggling balls all over the place. This sounds like you’re in a mom funk.

First, I want to say that these tips do not constitute medical advice and if you believe you have a medical concern you should consider consulting your physician. Postpartum depression is a real thing and should be taken seriously!

These tips are for the moms who are looking to stop feeling overwhelmed with all the things and to start enjoying motherhood again.

Okay, let’s go!

Pssstttt, this is Chapter 2 of The Motherhood Project. Don’t forget to read Chapter 1 first!

Baby Tips

Breastfeeding Guide: Tips for New Moms

October 8, 2018December 11, 2024
by Jessica Whitney

Breastfeeding your baby can be so rewarding in the long run, but the idea of breastfeeding is often intimidating for new moms. After breastfeeding my two oldest for a year each while working full time, and now breastfeeding my third, I wanted to share a few breastfeeding tips for new moms that I’ve learned along the way.

I’ve collected some of the best breastfeeding tips and tricks to prepare you for: your first time breastfeeding, what to expect at the hospital, and breastfeeding tips for once you return home.

My goal is to give you a step-by-step guide to ease your journey into breastfeeding from the beginning!

Having an idea of the big picture will help you confidently move into this new stage of life with your baby as you both learn together.

Motherhood + Parenting

Chapter 1: Introducing The Motherhood Project

September 28, 2018December 11, 2024
by Jessica Whitney

It’s been on my heart recently to write more encouraging words to moms. That’s what I started Simplified Motherhood after all.

Yeah, the newborn tips are great. Knowing how to carry all your baby stuff through the airport or the best ways to keep your newborn cool in the summer support moms undoubtedly.

But what I really care about. What I really want to say to moms is much, much more than that.

Productivity + Planning

How to make an effective to do list [for…

September 26, 2018November 18, 2020
by Jessica Whitney

As a new stay at home mom, I’ve been trying to figure out how to balance my to-do list, which seems never-ending, and spending time with my 3 kids. I’ve found a really awesome time management tool to help with my to do list that I wanted to share with you!

This to-do list is tried and tested and mom approved. Whether you are a new mom, working mom, or stay at home mom, I know that if you follow this to-do list tip, you’ll drastically improve your day-to-day productivity.

I know that’s a big claim to make, but here’s the thing, when it comes down to it, I know I feel like I “get more done” when I actually focus on my priorities.

But how do you stay focused on priorities when things like e-mail, social media, and small tasks get between you and the important stuff?

Motherhood + Parenting

40 Ideas to Create Memorable Family Moments

September 22, 2018December 11, 2024
by Jessica Whitney

Every moment counts when building family memories. Taking advantage of the smells, sights, and tastes of home sears the memories into place forever. Creating memorable family moments that inspire wonder and delight is one of my favorite things to do as a mom.

Sometimes though, it’s difficult to think of ideas spontaneously. So, I put together a list of ideas to create meaningful memories that your kids will look back on fondly. Many of these ideas you can do on a whim, without any planning. Most of them take 15 minutes or less.

Remember, every moment counts, so it doesn’t have to take a lot of time but still make a big impact!

Baby Tips

5 Step Swaddle Transition Solution to Better Sleep

August 25, 2018October 8, 2024
by Jessica Whitney

Swaddling helps newborns sleep vastly better according to Dr. Harvey from the Happiest Baby on the Block. The swaddle mimics the womb and stops their arms from jerking when the startle reflex kicks in. (He also recommends “Shhhushhh-ing” sounds…read more here) The questions are, when is the best time to stop swaddling baby and how to get baby to sleep without a swaddle?

What do you do when your baby begins to roll around? What do you do when your baby is big enough to break out of the swaddle and you need to transition them to something else?

Questions first time parents might be asking is:

HOW do I transition my baby from the swaddle and at what age?

When do I stop swaddling my baby at night?

Well, as with most things in parenting this DEPENDS on your baby. Not every baby will be the same age when it’s time to stop swaddling. But there are a few factors you can look at to decide if it might be time for your baby.

Do you have a copy of the free simple budget printable?