Packing List for Road-Tripping with a Toddler

In 2021, we took our then 13-month-old on a 2.5 month road-trip full of camping, hotels, AirBnb, family, beaches, bike rides, hikes and so much more.

It was incredible.

But, as I've told people what we did, they would comment how daunting the packing and travel must have been with a toddler. I'm here to say, it was more work than when it was just Nick and me, but it honestly wasn't difficult.

So, I’ve put together a packing list for other parents who are ready to go on an adventure.

Here's Ivy’s Packing List:

Video, monitor and plugs

Sound machine and plug

Playpen and two sheets

Stroller

Travel chair

3 tank-top onesies

5 short-sleeved onesies

4 long-sleeved onesies

4 pants

3 Pjs

Sleep sack

Sleeping bag sack

Blanket

Fleece coat

Raincoat

3 socks

1 pair shoes

Sunhat 

Beanie

Gloves

Swimsuit

Cup

Bib

Spoon

Swim Diapers

Diapers

Wipes

Rash cream

Sunscreen

Motrin and Tylenol

TummyGize oil

SniffleEase oil

Valor oil roll-on

Calm oil

Diffuser and cord

Thermometer 

Shampoo/Body Wash

Brush

Lovey

1 small basket of Toys and Books

Camping towel

Bike seat (attaches to Nick's bike)

Bike helmet

***Get your Young Living oils from me HERE. Use code - SHAREYL for 10% off :) 

5 Goals Every Highly Sensitive Person Must Have

 Rest - Sleep and Solitude

    Every night, commit to 8-10 hours of sleep and every day, commit to 15-60 minutes of personal time.

Nourish - Find What Feels Good

    Avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol and any foods that leave you feeling unwell and replace those with herbal teas, lots of water, and plenty of plant-based whole foods.

Move - Sunshine and Exercise

    Commit to a daily dose of fresh air and a workout. The best exercise for you is the one that you'll do, so choose something you'll enjoy.

Care - Create a Peaceful Environment

    Use natural lights and low lighting, like lamps. Wear comfortable clothes. Diffuse calming Young Living Essential Oils like Release, Hope and Grounding and clean with a plant-based cleaner like Thieves Household Cleaner.

Monitor - Be Picky about Consuming

    Keep noise to a minimum and don't watch or listen to anything that upsets you. Turn off all alerts and notifications on all devices, other than a ring-tone for incoming calls.

***Order your Young Living oils and products from me HERE - use my code SHAREYL for 10% off :)

Ask this one simple question

"How can I make things easier on you?"

A couple years back, when I was going through a hard time, Nick asked me this simple question.

Although there wasn't much he could do to make things better, the simple fact that he asked meant so much to me.

There's not always a solution. Sometimes you just have to face things only you can face, and push through until you're on the other side. But, no matter what's going on, it feels better to know that someone wants to be there for you.

Think of someone in your life who seems to be struggling. Reach out right now and ask them, "How can I make things easier on you?".

10 things to DO, SEE and EAT around Wilmington

Although we live close to the Wilmington area, we haven't taken much time during a road-trip to stick around. So, during our last big roadtrip, we took some time in North Carolina.

We actually had such a good time, we hope to go back for longer next time!

If you'd like to copy our fun, here are 10 things we enjoyed in and around Wilmington:

1. Panacea Brewing Company

2. Historic Wilmington and Riverwalk

3. Battleship North Carolina

4. Find Safe Haven movie sites

5. Wake n Bake Donuts

6. Carolina Beach Boardwalk

7. Sealevel City Vegan Diner

8. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry

9. Oak Island Lighthouse

10. All the beaches 🏖

How Motherhood Forced Me To Make Better Choices

As someone who’s always struggled with anxiety and depression, I’ve had to learn to be careful of what I watch, listen to and even conversations I choose to participate in.

I have a very vivid imagination, put myself in those shoes and, before I know it, I’m terrified that I’ll be next. When most people would think “that would never happen to me”, I think more like “it’s got to happen to someone, so why not me?”.

My mind can take me to negative places in a flash. After all, Satan wants to terrify and destroy me and knows exactly where to kick me when I’m down. He seems to work best on me in the dark, and some nights I’m so afraid that I wake Nick to pray with me.

So, ever since Ivy was born and I felt more vulnerable, I’ve been more picky of what comes in. I even went through a period during her first year that I didn't read many novels or watch most movies because I got too emotionally involved. Even my music choices changed.

It may have been excessive, but it made a huge difference for me during those difficult months! This verse has come to mind over and over in the last few years as I’ve edited what I take in:

“...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” -Philippians 4:8

I know I’m highly sensitive, but I’ve learned how to take care of me. And the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve learned that my weakness can be used for good as it pushes me to make better choices and have compassion for others who struggle with the same things.

If you find yourself negatively affected by what you see, hear and talk about, consider avoiding what you can. And then find positive things to fill that gap.

4 things you SHOULD tell moms instead

 Has another mom ever told you something that wasn’t encouraging or even turned out untrue?

My examples are:

Just you wait…you’ll be begging for that epidural.

Just you wait…you’ll never sleep again.

Just you wait…you’re house and car will always be a wreck.

Just you wait…it’s not the first year, but age (fill in the blank), that’s rough.

Why do moms do this to each other?

Let’s try this instead:

Just you wait…you’ll be amazed at your own strength.

Just you wait…your days will be so much more meaningful.

Just you wait…your priorities will shift as you settle into your new routine.

Just you wait…every age has something you’ll love.

I’m not saying being a mama isn’t hard. It’s so hard.

But I still think we can switch our language up to encourage each other through the hard times and celebrate each other through the wonderful times.

What’s something you were told that discouraged you? How can you turn it around to be positive? Please COMMENT below! 

My TOP 5 Favorite Young Living Oils & Products:

I've been using Young Living essential oils and products for almost 10 years. Over these years, I've gone through seasons of favorites, so I wanted to share my current must-haves:

1. Rose Ointment - massage this in to all your extra dry spots
2. Cortistop - take this for your lingering tummy bulge

3. Golden Turmeric - sip this for inflammation that effects you

4. Mirah Cleansing Oil - wash off your makeup, without stripping your skin

5. Lavender Lip Balm - this one is always in my top 5 :)

***Email me (nickandemilystewart@me.com) to get my discount code to order your Young Living!

2 moms, 2 kids and 24 hours in Charlotte

My sister, Elizabeth, and I took our kids and went to Charlotte for the night this past weekend.

It was fun to get away, so I wanted to share what we did in case you need ideas for your next night out of town.

1. Lunch at Amelie’s French Bakery

2. Shop and play at the Southpark Mall

3. Eat dinner at The Cowfish

4. Stay at the Hyatt Centric

5. Breakfast at Original Pancake House

6. Walk and play at Freedom Park

7. Stop by Goodwill for a browse

8. Lunch at Romeo’s Vegan Burgers

This short trip was just enough, but we both decided we’ll go again (without kids next time, haha).

What's YOUR Frequency?

Did you know that every living thing has a frequency?

People and animals, plants, trees and herbs, including essential oils!

Each vibrates at its own rhythm and has an effect on each other.  For example, being around someone who’s cranky or you don’t trust can lower your frequency.  But positive thoughts, prayer and meditation can raise it!

Same goes for food.  Acidic foods, such as coffee, can cause our frequency to go down.  But fresh foods and herbs can help it get right back up!

When we are sick, our frequency is low.  The sicker we get, it continues to decrease.  At death, we no longer have a frequency.

So, as you can see, it’s important to keep our frequency up high by eating fresh fruits and vegetables, spending time with good people, doing things we enjoy and practicing prayer and meditation, along with positive thoughts.

On top of that, we can use essential oils to positively affect our frequency!

All essential oils have a high frequency, but Rose is at the top with 320 Mhz, compared with fresh foods that are only 20-27 Mhz.  Don’t stop eating your real foods, but also don’t forget to consistently incorporate your essential oils daily, like we do.  They are powerful and can help keep you well!

To keep your frequency high, you should be diffusing, applying and ingesting the right oils for you.  Whether you’re at home, in the office or riding around town, there are ways to stay consistent.

Email me nickandemilystewart@me.com and we'll come up with the best essential oils to meet your health goals, while we raise your frequency :)

***Order HERE and use code SHAREYL for 10% off

What my Labradoodle has taught me...

Things I’m learning from Lucy:

.

take daily naps

start your day with a walk

always say hello

sit quietly and simply ponder

lay in the sunshine everyday

cuddle a lot

stop eating when you’re full

drink lots of water and nothing else

enjoy only 1-2 bite sized treats

be excited for every adventure

stay curious

beg to get what you want

stick to the routine that works

comfort those who are struggling

stretch often

stick by your favorite people

38 pieces of advice

I just turned 38 in August and wanted to put together my words of wisdom!

Here’s my 38 pieces of wisdom to mark my 38th birthday

1. Never say never.

2. Kill them with kindness.

3. Just ask.

4. Spend time with people you love.

5. Travel often.

6. Be generous.

7. Learn something new (all the time).

8. Go on walks.

9. Choose the best option in front of you.

10. Read daily.

11. Plan girls nights.

12. Stretch.

13. Don’t spend what you don’t have.

14. Make goals.

15. Find a hobby (or three).

16. Go outside as much as possible.

17. Set boundaries with your smartphone.

18. Eat real food.

19. Get a dog.

20. Do work you love.

21. Wear comfy shoes.

22. Cook homemade meals.

23. Get monthly facials.

24. Live toxin-free.

25. Practice solitude.

26. Dress in beautiful colors.

27. Tidy your home each morning.

28. Enjoy quiet nights at home.

29. Become friends with your neighbors.

30. Take lots of vacations.

31. Drink more water.

32. Get enough sleep.

33. Use lamps for lighting.

34. Practice minimalism.

35. Kiss your baby too much.

36. Pray constantly.

37. Go on trips with friends and no kids.

38. Talk to a counselor.

Got any good advice? Please share!

My Favorite Mocktail

1/2 can Ningxia Zyng
4 Oz Ningxia Red
1 tsp grated ginger

It’s an all-natural, energy boosting, antioxidant treat❤️

Non-alcoholic, but still feels fancy💃

Go throw drink together for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Don’t have the ingredients?

Grab my link below to get Ningxia Red!

***Order your Young Living essential oils and products HERE and use my code SHAREYL for 10% off

My 4 Day Family Trip Recommendation

This past weekend, we went to Dollywood with family and had such a great time we're talking about asking for annual passes for Christmas!

If you're looking for a family weekend getaway, here's what I suggest:

Day 1 - Everyone arrive at the cabin you rent in Sevierville (Dolly's hometown!), unpack, unwind and order pizza from Mellow Mushroom so you can stay in and catch up with your family.

Day 2 - Go to Dollywood for the day, eat lunch there and then plan to cookout at your cabin for dinner.

Day 3 - Big girls go have breakfast at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, while guys watch kids back at the cabin. After breakfast, go pick up the guys and kids and go to Gatlinburg for the day, eat lunch at Loco Burro and be sure to walk around The Village behind Pancake Pantry.

Day 4 - Pack up and head home, but stop by Bush Beans Visitor Center on your way out to check out their museum, general store and cafe.

Let me know, in the comments below, if you plan to take this fun trip!

Honey Lavender Green Tea Recipe

We recently spent Labor Day weekend at the lake and Carol, a friend, came up with this refreshing recipe. It was a hit with our group, so I wanted to share!

Honey Lavender Green Tea

Steep green tea for a few minutes in hot water (use a bag or loose-leaf)

Stir in a tsp-tbsp honey while hot

Pour over ice

Add a drop of Young Living Lavender Oil (buy HERE from me)

Add milk (I like oatmilk best) to your liking

Stir everything together

Enjoy!

***Email me nickandemilystewart@me.com when you buy your Lavender oil through me so I can set you up with my Young Living resources!

Are hoarders living in your home?

What do you do if you're into minimalism, but you live with family and friends who aren't?

Well, first things first, don't get rid of their things!

I have to admit, I'd love to clean out everything in our home and toss or donate all the things that I don't want or use, but it wouldn't be fair to Nick and Ivy. They have things they like to have around, even if I don't understand why or think they're just in the way.

So, I've decided that, just like everything else, the minimalist life involves compromise. Sometimes we get rid of things for me and sometimes we keep things for them. We have seasons of more and seasons of less.

I'll continue to weed out our possessions, keep what I think is useful and beautiful, and ask for my family's ok before it leaves our home. And, in the areas that are in my control, like my wardrobe, I'll practice minimalism my way, hoping to be a good influence on those around me.

Because living more simply makes things so much easier. There's less to clean and tidy and less taking up space in our home, leaving more room for calm and space and life.

Are you a minimalist living with hoarders? Leave me some tips below of how you and your roomies live together in peaceful balance!

How to Visit Greenville

Greenville is a fun place to visit, so I often get asked about my favorites to do, see and eat around town.

In case you are planning a future trip, here are my recommendations:

1. Park at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe, grab a treat and take a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail (I live half a mile from here, so don’t forget to invite me so we can hang out and catch up!)

2. Or, bike from the cafe to Travelers Rest and then grab brunch at Tandem Crepes

3. Take an easy hike around the lake at Paris Mountain State Park

4. Grab a slice at Sidewall Pizza or Coastal Crust (ask for the fig and hot honey pizza if you choose Coastal Crust).

5. Get a coffee at Scandi Tiny Coffee and then ask to tour a tiny house :)

6. Cool down with a treat from Southern Pressed Juicery and then walk around downtown…don’t forget to visit the Mast General Store and Falls Park 

7. If you still have energy left after walking main street, walk from downtown to Unity Park, get some food there at The Commons and then enjoy the huge park and playground (splash pad is open in the summer)

8. Or, walk in the other direction from downtown (still on the Swamp Rabbit Trail) to get to the Zoo and another great playground

9. Don’t feel like walking to places on the trail? Take your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate! It’s also right next door to a few museums and the library.

10. When you’re ready for dinner, ask for a terrace seat at Jianna’s to overlook the downtown park, eat Italian at Trio’s, Mexican at Cantina 76, try out some interesting drinks and tapas at Juniper or go to Trappe Door for an underground pub atmosphere

11. When you’re ready for dessert, get pastries at Old Europe or ice cream at Clare’s Creamery.

We used to travel every weekend, but then we moved to Greenville and barely travel now because we live in a place with so much to do!

After 3.5 years here, we still have things we want to try out.

We love it here :)

Come visit!

My “famous” Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.5 tsp rapid rise yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tsp sugar

Whisk and let sit for 5 minutes, should bubble up

Add in:
2.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar

Mix all ingredients together 

Roll dough into a flat rectangle 

Cover with 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon

Roll up, cut into cinnamon rolls and place in pan

Preheat to 350
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden on top and inside dough is done (every oven varies)

Top with frosting: ( I double or triple the frosting)
Mix 1.5 cups powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp water and 1/4 tsp vanilla (or 4 drops Young Living Vanilla Vitality)

Enjoy!