Winstead Wandering

Prone to Wander

Free Mother’s Day Printables (for Grandma, too!)

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These adorable and FREE Mother’s Day printables make perfect inexpensive gifts! They’re a thoughtful keepsake Mom or Grandma will treasure, and they’re perfect for creating an annual tradition.

These adorable and FREE Mother's Day printables make perfect inexpensive gifts! They're a thoughtful keepsake Mom or Grandma will treasure, and they're perfect for creating an annual tradition.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday!

I created these fun and free Mother’s Day printables (with a grandma version, too) as a cute way to memorialize my kids’ thoughts about me and their grandmothers. It’s true that kids really do say the darnedest things, and who appreciates that more than moms and grandmas? Probably no one, which is why these printables make such great gifts.

These adorable and FREE Mother's Day printables make perfect inexpensive gifts! They're a thoughtful keepsake Mom or Grandma will treasure, and they're perfect for creating an annual tradition.

The pages are great for giving on their own, especially if you don’t usually buy Mother’s Day gifts for grandmas. They make wonderful gift-giving inspiration, too; let your child’s response to one of the blanks (“she loves to wear…”) serve as a starting point when it’s time to shop for presents.

To get this free Mother’s Day printable, as well as free access to all my printables, simply sign-up below for my free newsletter. If you’re already signed up, the link and the password you received in the original email are all you need.

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Pin these Free Mother’s Day Printables for later!

These adorable and FREE Mother's Day printables make perfect inexpensive gifts! They're a thoughtful keepsake Mom or Grandma will treasure, and they're perfect for creating an annual tradition.

Tips for a Fun Technology-Free Road Trip

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripTreats #CollectiveBias

Are you ready to give your kids the same old-fashioned road trip you enjoyed as a child? Check out these easy, creative tips for a fun technology-free road trip!

Are you ready to give your kids the same old-fashioned road trip you enjoyed as a child? Check out these easy, creative tips for a fun technology-free road trip!

Road trips were a huge part of my life when I was younger. My siblings and I lived in New Hampshire with my mom and my dad lived in Mississippi. Semiannual drives south (and then back again) meant we were well-versed in all things road trip. All that time spent in the car took place long before smartphones and tablets and DVD players (although I do think my older brother got an old-school GameBoy at one point).

With all the technology-related entertainment options available to us now, it can be tempting to hand the kids a music player or a video game and let them zone out for hours on end. That makes for a pretty easy trip and, trust me, I’ve done it a time or two. But if you long to leave the gadgets at home, keep reading for tips for a fun technology-free road trip.

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Free Father’s Day Printable (for Grandpa, too!)

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This free Father’s Day Printable is the perfect substitute for a boring store-bought card. Record and commemorate the hilarious memories for years to come.

This free Father's Day Printable is the perfect substitute to a boring store-bought card. Record and commemorate the hilarious memories for years to come.

 

Printables like this first gained popularity several years ago on Pinterest. I didn’t have kids at the time, but I knew this was something I wanted to do when the time came. Now it’s here!

I’d seen plenty of free versions around the internet, but as often happens, I decided to make my own in order to get the exact look I wanted.

This free Father's Day Printable is the perfect substitute to a boring store-bought card. Record and commemorate the hilarious memories for years to come.

Free Father’s Day Printable (can be used for a grandfather, too)

You can get the completely free downloads below!

Dad Version

This free Father's Day Printable is the perfect substitute to a boring store-bought card. Record and commemorate the hilarious memories for years to come.

Grandpa Version

This free Father's Day Printable is the perfect substitute to a boring store-bought card. Record and commemorate the hilarious memories for years to come.

How to use the Printable

The printables themselves are self-explanatory, but what should you do with them after they’re completed? The simplest option is to give to dad in lieu of a store-bought card. Trust me, this substitute will make dad way happier than a $6 card.

You can easily turn it into a complete gift by purchasing something to go along with your child’s answers (if they’re accurate). Did she remember her dad loves root beer? Buy his favorite brand. Does he know Dad loves to wear goofy socks? Let him pick out a few pairs he thinks his dad will love. Combine the cute questionnaire with a thoughtful child-inspired gift and you’re good to go.

I also suggest preserving the interview. Dad will love reading back over each year’s interview every time Father’s Day rolls around. You could stick them all in a small binder, or you could frame page from the most recent year, storing the pages from each previous year behind it in the frame.

Even if you only manage to get your child(ren) to complete the page, their father or grandfather is sure to love the sweet personalized gift.

Join Winstead Wandering’s email list for access to a bunch of other fun free printables! Subscribe below:

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Don’t forget to pin this Free Father’s Day Printable for next year!

This free Father's Day Printable is the perfect substitute to a boring store-bought card. Record and commemorate the hilarious memories for years to come.

Free Teacher Appreciation Printables

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These adorable printables are perfect for showing teacher appreciation any time of year. There are a ton of cute gift ideas, too!

These adorable printables are perfect for showing teacher appreciation any time of year. There are a ton of cute gift ideas, too!

Free Teacher Appreciation Week Printables

Did you know next week is Teacher Appreciation Week? It definitely is.

If, like me, you’re super grateful for everything your children’s teachers do and, also like me, you want to show them even a small measure of that gratitude, I’ve got you covered.
I made nine cute, fun printables that I’m giving away for free. I even added a list of inexpensive gifts to go along with each printable, as well as my best tips for getting prints for cheap.
All you have to do to get access to all nine teacher appreciation printables is subscribe to my email list below:

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Once you’re subscribed, you’ll get an email from me with easy-to-follow instructions for accessing the printables library.
Free teacher appreciation printables in a bunch of fun colors. Inexpensive gift ideas included!

But wait, there’s more!

I’ve got more printables on the way in the next few months. Subscribing to Winstead Wandering’s email list one time gets you access to all the printables in the library.

Not interested?

If tangible gifts aren’t in your budget, or if you don’t have the time to make them happen this year, know that you child’s teacher isn’t expecting to be showered with presents. Obviously being recognized for working hard feels good, but you can show your gratitude in other ways. As a teacher, the sweetest gifts I’ve received have been handwritten notes of appreciation from students.

If you’re child is old enough, consider having him write a thank-you note. If he’s too young (or even if he isn’t), you can write one yourself. Be sure to mention anything specific your child’s teacher may have done, like showing extra patience with a personality quirk or providing additional remediation or enrichment. Chances are your child’s teacher pours her heart into her work; recognizing that is one of the kindest gifts you can give her.

These adorable printables are perfect for showing teacher appreciation any time of year. There are a ton of cute gift ideas, too!

Toddler Craft: Easy Stained Glass Art

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With just two inexpensive supplies and a few minutes of time, you and your toddler can create this easy stained glass art.

With just two inexpensive supplies and a few minutes of time, you and your toddler can create this easy stained glass art.

My two oldest kids, ages six and four, love crafting at home. They both do a lot of art projects at school, but they’re up for more at home (hence the three batches of salt dough ornaments we made last Christmas). I’m so not a Pinterest mom, though; I tend to find an easy craft that requires a few inexpensive supplies and run with it.

Speaking of Pinterest, I remember making stained glass art with my preschool students way back in 2008, before Pinterest was even a thing. It’s been on my mind for the last few months, but it took me that long to remember to buy contact paper and then to figure out where in Walmart to find it (in the plastic storage containers/shelf organization aisle, if you’re wondering).

With just two inexpensive supplies and a few minutes of time, you and your toddler can create this easy stained glass art.

We made our rainbows the same day I brought the supplies home, on a fittingly rainy Monday. The kids loved it so much we made donuts the next day- B’s suggestion- and they’re already dreaming up the shapes they want to try next. We still have nearly the whole roll of contact paper and a ton of tissue paper left, so I’ll have no problem pulling off easy stained glass art again and again.

With just two inexpensive supplies and a few minutes of time, you and your toddler can create this easy stained glass art.

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Tips for Easy School Lunches

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #2Good2Bear #CollectiveBias

Does packing your kids’ lunches fill you with dread? It doesn’t have to! Check out these tips for easy school lunches.

Does packing your kids' lunches fill you with dread? It doesn't have to! Check out these tips for easy school lunches.

My two oldest kids started school this year. I went from only worrying about my own lunch to being responsible for the three of us (full disclosure: J makes their lunches sometimes, too). I started the school year with big ideas about what I’d pack them and how I’d make the process easier. Some of those ideas panned out, some of them flopped, and some have been tweaked to create what I consider to be a pretty streamlined system.

Tips for Easy School Lunches

Prep for the Whole Week on Sunday

Maybe you can relate to this: Sunday night brings the best intentions regarding school lunches. You’re going to pack well-rounded meals every day. Monday goes well, and Tuesday isn’t bad either, but things go downhill. By Friday, you’re raiding the pantry for combination of items that won’t draw judgment from you kids’ teachers.

Here’s my best tip for overcoming that weekly slide: do as much prep work as possible on Sunday. This can include slicing cheese, making sandwiches, cooking a batch of chicken nuggets or pasta and portioning it into containers. Basically, do in advance anything you can. Not only does it take little additional time to make five sandwiches instead of one, you’ll also save yourself the headache of doing the same chore four more times during the week.

Turn to Ready-Made Treats

I’d say at least 80 percent of what I send in my kids’ lunches is prepared in our home. I’m not talking homegrown produce or from-scratch bread, but instead of prepackaged cheese and crackers, we buy a box of crackers and a brick of cheese. We do this to save money and to make sure our picky eaters get meals we know they’ll eat.

Does packing your kids' lunches fill you with dread? It doesn't have to! Check out these tips for easy school lunches.

There are times I turn to store-bought snacks, though, because they’re convenient and because my kids love them. One of our favorites is TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks. My kids love that they’re shaped like bears, and I love that they don’t contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, or high fructose corn syrup. They’re made with ingredients I’m familiar with, like eggs and milk (and, of course, chocolate!).

Does packing your kids' lunches fill you with dread? It doesn't have to! Check out these tips for easy school lunches.

Don’t forget to use ibotta to earn cash back when you purchase TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks.  I grab them in the cracker/cookie aisle at Walmart when I’m stocking up on other school-lunch necessities. If you were there February 23, you might have noticed a fun demo featuring TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks and GoGo Squeeze.

Use Your Freezer

A long time ago, before I had kids, I saw a tip about making and freezing peanut butter sandwiches. I thought it was ridiculous because peanut butter sandwiches are crazy easy to make. Then I had kids, and those kids started school, and I learned how naive I’d been. Sure, making a peanut butter sandwich may take two minutes, but that’s sometimes two minutes you don’t have.

Now, I buy a loaf or two of bread and use all the slices to make peanut butter sandwiches. I half them, freeze them, and pull them out one at a time as needed. I also use the freezer for berries purchased fresh in season and for pureed vegetables used to make our own pouches.

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What I’m Reading Lately: Children’s Books Edition

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Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We’ve done it, though! Here’s what I’m reading lately: children’s books edition.

Between Christmas gifts and school book orders, we’ve been reading a lot of books lately. Often, the kids get hooked on a couple books that J and I don’t care for. I love that my children share my passion for reading, but it’s no fun to read (and read and read and read) books you don’t like. That’s why J and I are thrilled when we come across children’s books we enjoy reading.

Since I’m sure we aren’t the only parents out there in search of entertaining kid lit, I put together this list of children’s books we’re currently loving.

Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We've done it, though! Here's what I'm reading lately: children's books edition.

What I’m Reading Lately: Children’s Books Edition

“The Day the Crayons Came Home“

Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We've done it, though! Here's what I'm reading lately: children's books edition.

My four-year-old got this book for Christmas from my husband’s mom. We came home after opening presents that day and discovered my mom had gotten her the exact same book. So now we have two copies. Considering how much the kids love it, that might be a good thing. Not only is this story really cute, it’s full of puns and humor just for the grown-ups.

“Mother Bruce“

Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We've done it, though! Here's what I'm reading lately: children's books edition.

This book is hilarious. The first time J read it to the kids, I couldn’t stop laughing at the random lines I could hear from the kitchen. The kids were cracking up, too. This story is one of those rare gems that delights parents as much as it does kids. There’s a second book, “Hotel Bruce“, that the kids and I are excited to read.

The Children’s Storybook Bible

Finding books that appeal to kids and parents can be tough. We've done it, though! Here's what I'm reading lately: children's books edition.

A few years ago, within the span of a couple weeks, I saw this story Bible recommended by several friends and trusted bloggers. I had to buy it, of course. Even three years later, it’s still our favorite children’s Bible. I love the doctrine and the kid-friendly writing, the kids love the bright pictures and the easy-to-understand story.

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Best Baby Products Under $20

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These are seriously the best baby products under $20. They’re all mom-tested and -approved, and guaranteed to make this parenting thing a whole lot easier.

I’ve bought a lot of baby products over the last six plus years. Some I’ve loved, some I’ve hated, and some I’ve enjoyed so much I’m constantly telling others about them. If you’re looking for a roundup of must-have baby products, this isn’t it. If you want a list of items guaranteed to make your life a little easier, read on.

Best Baby Products Under $20

These are seriously the best baby products under $20. They're all mom-tested and approved, and guaranteed to make this parenting thing a whole lot easier.

 

  1. Self-Laminating Baby Bottle Labels, $9 | If your baby spends any time in a place with other babies- church, daycare, grandma’s house- you need these labels. They’re super easy to use and will hold up for months.
  2. Bandana Bibs, $5 | Q is a drooler. Big time. She’s pretty much worn a bib around the clock since she was three months old. To avoid covering all her outfits with a big, bland bib, I bought a couple sets of these bandana bibs. They’re adorable and they help hide the fact she’s actually wearing a bib. Bonus: these come in an adorable bag, perfect for gifting.
  3. Diaper Cream Brush, $10 | Okay, so I don’t own one of these, but I totally want one! I hate applying diaper cream with my fingers; the feeling and the smell never seem to go away. I would definitely use and love this brush.
  4. Mesh Feeder, $7 | These mesh feeders are ideal for when baby is first learning to self-feed. You can pack the pouch with fresh or frozen fruits or veggies and let baby suck and chew away. If you’ve ever used something like this, you know the product gets really hard to clean after a few weeks. That’s why I love this brand; you can buy replacement mesh for the feeding part.
  5. Silicone Teething Necklace, $12 | You know how babies put everything in their mouths, including whatever jewelry mom is wearing? This necklace is the perfect solution. It’s made of silicone is specifically for baby to chew on.
  6. Burpy Bib, $7 | Q was a messy eater from day one. We found these burp cloth/bib combos so convenient because they button around her neck like a bib, but then they lay flat over your shoulder like a burp cloth. They’re way more convenient than trying to keep a regular burp cloth tucked up under baby’s chin.
  7. No-Squeeze Pouch Holder, $5 | This is such a brilliant product. We love using baby food pouches, both store bought and homemade, but babies have to be pretty old before they can understand not to squeeze the pouch. With this box, the pouch goes inside and baby can’t squeeze. Perfect!
  8. Take & Toss Cups and Bowls, $3-$9 | My aunt got a set of these bowls and cups for us at G’s baby shower more than six years ago and we still have a bunch in our cabinet. They’re cheap enough to be considered disposable if necessary, but durable enough to last for six+ years and 2+ kids.
  9. Bambino Land Muslin Swaddle Blankets, $14 | There are lots of companies out there making muslin swaddle blankets, but Bambino Land is my favorite. I love their prices, their prints, and their quality. We have a ton of these and have used them as swaddles, nursing covers, burp cloths, changing table covers, floor blankets, car seat covers, and more.
  10. Munch Mitt, $18 | Q sucks and chews on her hands pretty much nonstop when she’s awake. Ever since she started teething, she’s been making them red and dry by constantly having them in her mouth. I went in search of a product to help and discovered the Munch Mitt. I initially thought I’d have to buy a second one, but I put it on one hand she uses her second hand to pull the mitt into her mouth. At first I was appalled by the price of this thing, but it’s ended up saving her poor little hands.

What would you consider the best baby products under $20?

Looking for more posts like this one? Check out what you really need for a new baby and 5 things you don’t need for a new baby.

(this post contains affiliate links; to learn more, see my disclosure policy)

Quinn’s Birth Story

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A VBAC, a premature birth, and a perfect baby girl: here’s Quinn’s birth story.

A VBAC, a premature birth, and a perfect baby girl: here's Quinn's birth story.

Several days before Quinn was born, J and I stood in the kitchen as I told him, “I feel like I’m going to have the baby soon.” I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why I felt that way but, even though I was five weeks from my due date, I did.

J and I attended a professional development workshop on Tuesday, June 28. I thought I was going into labor on the way there. My contractions were regular and fairly intense, but once we parked and walked in, they subsided and we went about our day.

On Thursday, June 30, I had a regularly-scheduled OB appointment. I got ready for my 10:30 appointment, all the while suspecting my water had broken. There wasn’t a big gush of fluid like I experienced with G and B, but I thought there was leaking. I brushed that intuition aside, though, convincing myself it was just another layer of the paranoia and anxiety I’d experienced throughout the pregnancy.

A VBAC, a premature birth, and a perfect baby girl: here's Quinn's birth story.

There must have been a small part of my brain that understood what was happening, though, because I took a few minutes to toss some last minute toiletries and clothes in my bag that was packed and sitting in the bedroom, waiting for the we needed it.

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What’s in My Diaper Bag

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BetterBottles #CollectiveBias

What’s in my diaper bag? The necessities and the unnecessary, as told by an experienced mom of three little ones.

What's in my diaper bag? The necessities and the unnecessary, as told by an experienced mom of three little ones.

So much has changed since I first became a mom. I remember so vividly how overwhelmed I felt when we first brought G home from the hospital. I had younger siblings and cousins, and I’d even cared for infants as part of my brief job as a daycare worker. But then we got home and it was just the three of us and the vastness of all the things I didn’t know.

I feel like I’ve come a long way in nearly six years. Baby number three, Q, is nearly four months old and, while I can’t say I’ve completely stopped texting my mom questions and consulting Dr. Google, I feel much more confident in my parenting than I did back then.

One of the dozens of things that has changed since G was born is my diaper bag packing skills. When he was a baby, I would fill a huge bag with all the “essentials”: a ton of diapers, several outfits, and way too many burp cloths and bibs. I also left out several items that would have been useful to have.

So what’s in my diaper bag now that I’m a more seasoned mom? Let’s take a look.

What’s in My Diaper Bag

The biggest mistake I made when packing G’s diaper bag was filling it with stuff for him- more stuff than he’d ever need in one outing- and nothing for me. Now, when I pack Q’s bag, I focus on both of us.

What's in my diaper bag? The necessities and the unnecessary, as told by an experienced mom of three little ones.

For Baby

Basically, baby just needs food and a clean diaper. I toss in a clean outfit or two, but mostly everything other than food and diapers is inessential. I pack one diaper for every hour or two we plan to be away from home, plus wipes and a changing pad. Unless we’re in the middle of fighting a rash, I leave the creams and powders at home. They just take up precious space in the diaper bag and I don’t need them. Same goes for extra clothes; one outfit is all you need, unless your little one is known for spitting up or blowing out.

I exclusively pump for Q, so I have to pack bottles and pumped breast milk. Finding bottles that worked for her was a little tricky this time around; she didn’t care for the two expensive brands we used for G and B. We ended up discovering that she prefers more affordable options, like these Playtex Baby™ VentAire® bottles (how fitting is it that my infant daughter is as frugal as I am? Do you think she knows that 3-packs of  Playtex Nurser 8 oz., VentAire 9 oz., and VentAire Color sat Walmart have a $3 off coupon on them?)

What's in my diaper bag? The necessities and the unnecessary, as told by an experienced mom of three little ones.

We’re enjoying these bottles for a few reasons. Some of the reasons are obvious, like the way the Anti-Colic Bottom Vent soothes Q’s tummy troubles, or the way the angled design promotes semi-upright feeding, which I just learned is supposed to help prevent ear infections (yes, please!). We also like them because the wide mouth makes it so easy to pour in breast milk or scoop in formula. That same wide opening makes the whole thing a breeze to clean, so much more so than some of those other bottles that seem to have a gazillion different parts.

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