How We Plan Outdoor Adventures Without Breaking the Bank

The days are getting shorter, and by 6pm it’s already pitch black. Between the early sunsets, cold weather, and kids who still have energy to burn, it can feel like your options for family activities shrink fast. But even with the darkness and freezing temps, we still find fun ways to spend time together without spending a ton of money. Here are a few of our favorite low-cost activities for those cozy winter evenings:

1. Watching movies
December is the perfect time to catch up on holiday classics with the kids. We all love piling on the couch, grabbing some popcorn, and relaxing with a good movie. One of our all-time favorites is Home Alone. We could watch it a hundred times and never get tired of it.

2. Making crafts
This season is ideal for fun little DIY projects. Whether it’s homemade ornaments for the tree, painting, or building something simple, we love the quality time that comes with creating together. Ornament-making is always a big hit, especially as Christmas gets closer.

3. Baking
Baking might not sound exciting to everyone, but trust me, it’s a blast with kids. Muffins, brownies, cookies, cake pops, you name it. The kids love it, and even though we’re all on a fitness journey, we make it work in moderation!

4. Recreation centers
We’re lucky that our local rec center only charges a few bucks for a day pass. No membership required. We just show up, pay the small fee, and enjoy the pool or basketball court. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to get out of the house.

5. Light shows
This time of year is perfect for drive-through Christmas lights. It’s inexpensive, magical for the kids, and you can get some beautiful pictures.

6. Backyard fire + movie night
We don’t do this if it’s freezing, but when the weather isn’t too brutal, we set up the projector outside, start a small fire, and enjoy a movie under the stars with some delicious s’mores. The kids absolutely love it.

Even though the nights are longer and the weather is colder, there are still so many fun things you can do as a family. You don’t need to spend a lot. You just need to get a little creative. All of these activities are low-cost, simple, and work with any budget. So embrace the cozy season and make the most of your evenings together!

Blending Our Family – The Hard Truths

Blending families comes with beautiful moments, but it also comes with challenges that people don’t really talk about. For those who have experienced it, you know exactly what I mean. And for those who haven’t, I want to share the hard truths that I’ve faced and am still navigating today.

This isn’t to say that blending a family isn’t worth it. It absolutely is. But the emotional, legal, and relational struggles are real, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone. Here are the biggest ones we’ve dealt with:

1. Different Parenting Styles

The hardest part is raising children who move between two completely different worlds.

In my home, we have structure:

• a bedtime
• limits on screens
• expectations for schoolwork
• healthy eating
• active routines

Then the kids go to their other parent’s house… and it all disappears. Suddenly, there’s no bedtime, unlimited device use, junk food every day, and no structure at all. When they come back, I’m the “strict” parent and their dad is the “fun” one. Which child wouldn’t prefer candy, chaos, and no rules?

And every blended family knows the aftermath: rebellion, attitude changes, and the emotional whiplash of kids trying to reconcile two completely different lifestyles. It’s exhausting, and it’s one of the most challenging aspects of co-parenting when values are not aligned.

2. Boundary & Ex-Spouse Issues

This one takes the cake for me.

On my part, my ex simply does as he pleases. If I say, “Please don’t give them candy every day”, he ignores it. No conversation. No cooperation. No middle ground. He wants autonomy, which is fine, but when it affects the kids’ health and emotional stability, it becomes extremely frustrating.

Then, on my husband’s side, we face the complete opposite extreme.

His ex-wife will text constantly, even about things she already knows the answer to. She will insult him, harass him, or try to stir up conflict under the excuse of “it’s for the kids.” My husband sets boundaries clearly, but she pushes past every single one of them.

This doesn’t just affect him. It affects our home, our relationship, and the kids. They’re older now, and they’re noticing the disrespect and the double standards. Watching them process that is heartbreaking.

This extreme, where one ex doesn’t care at all and the other cares too much about all the wrong things is one I never expected to deal with. And it is emotionally draining.

3. Legal Disputes

Thankfully, I don’t deal with this on my side.

But my husband? He deals with endless court filings over the smallest, most ridiculous issues. It has become her way of controlling the situation, demanding attention, and trying to disrupt our lives. It costs money, time, and emotional energy that none of us should have to waste.

From the outside, it feels like she can’t let go. It feels like she sees him happy and wants to destroy that peace. And the sad part is: I know we’re not the only blended family dealing with someone weaponizing the legal system.

I could never imagine doing that to my ex. I don’t interfere with his life, his relationships, or his parenting time. Trying to dominate or control someone you are no longer married to is not normal behavior and yet, so many families deal with this exact dynamic.

4. Navigating Step-Sibling Relationships

This part is actually smoother for us. The kids get along (and fight) like regular siblings. What matters most to me is fairness. In our home:

• They all have chores
• They all follow the same rules
• They all get the same value of gifts on holidays and birthdays
• If I buy treats, I buy them for all
• If I discipline my kids, I discipline my stepkids the same way

The one rule we have is that physical discipline is handled by each biological parent. We rarely ever reach that point taking away screens works much better anyway but the boundary keeps things fair and respectful.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned: kids thrive when the adults are consistent, balanced, and united.

5. Establishing New Traditions

This one is minor but still part of the blended-family reality.

Holiday schedules change. Sometimes we have all the kids. Sometimes we have none. Some years, we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, and some years, we celebrate it on January 1st. It’s not about the date it’s about making the moment meaningful when we are together.

We’ve learned to be flexible, enjoy the time we do have, and create traditions that fit our new family dynamic.

Final Thoughts

Blending a family isn’t easy. Some parts take years to work through, and others you simply learn to navigate with patience and grace. You can’t control everything not the exes, not the schedules, not the different household rules.

But you can control how you show up:

• be fair
• be consistent
• be the steady parent
• be a positive example
• show love to every child in the home

At the end of the day, the kids will grow up. They will remember who showed up for them. They will see the effort, the stability, the love, and the fairness you provided.

And thatm ore than anything else is what truly matters.

Why MOM Guilt is Normal and How to Overcome It

 Why Do Moms Feel Guilty About Everything?

Why, as moms, do we feel guilty for everything?
For wanting alone time. For wanting to work. For being able to work while our kids play alone. It feels like no matter what we do, something always eats at us.

For me, one of the biggest sources of guilt came from wanting to advance in my career. I wanted to climb the ladder, make more money, and be considered “successful.” But then the guilt hit me like a brick.

What if I did climb higher, earned more, and became that version of “successful”? What would that mean for my kids? Would they be happy knowing I was gone all day, missing moments with them? Would they appreciate that the money I made went right back into their lives?

Eventually, I realized my career could wait, but my kids would only be little for a few short years. They need me now. And while that decision eased some of my guilt, motherhood has a funny way of finding new things to feel guilty about.

Take alone time, for example. As a mom, I’m the one everyone runs to when they need something. When I finally carve out an hour for a nail appointment or a quiet coffee alone, I start to wonder, are my kids okay? Even though deep down, I know they are.

Lately, I’ve also felt guilty for letting my 13-month-old son watch Ms. Rachel while I work. Before he was born, I told myself I wouldn’t let him watch TV like I did with my older kids. I wanted to “do better.” But reality looks different when you’re balancing work and motherhood. He’ll play with his toys for a few minutes, but eventually, I need uninterrupted time to focus. So yes, sometimes he watches TV, and yes, I feel guilty every single time.

But here’s what I’ve learned to tell myself: I’m doing my best.
I remind myself not to compare my motherhood journey to someone else’s highlight reel. I focus on getting through each day and being there for my kids in the ways that truly matter.

Does letting my toddler watch TV make me a bad mom?
Does needing “me time” make me a bad mom?
Does wanting to grow in my career make me a bad mom?

No. It makes me human.

There’s a season for everything, and it’s time we, as moms, let go of the constant guilt. We’re doing the best we can, and that’s more than enough.

5 Lessons I've Learned Balancing Career and Motherhood

 🌸 5 Lessons I’ve Learned Balancing Career and Motherhood

Balancing a career and motherhood isn’t easy; it’s one of the toughest challenges modern moms face. Between deadlines, daycare drop-offs, and dinner prep, it can feel impossible to give your best to both your job and your family.
Over the years, I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean doing it all; it means doing what matters most in each season of life. Here are five lessons that have shaped how I manage work, motherhood, and my own peace of mind.

1. You Can’t Prioritize Your Career and Family at the Same Time

When you’re a working mom, there will always be seasons where one takes priority. And that’s okay.
If your job demands late nights, business travel, and constant pressure, it might come at the cost of precious family moments. I’ve been there, and I realized it wasn’t the life I wanted.
I chose a career path that gives me flexibility and a better work-life balance so I can be present for my kids. Success looks different for everyone, but for me, being there for bedtime stories matters more.

2. You Must Choose What’s Most Important in Each Season

Motherhood and career growth both have their time. Early in my career, I came home exhausted around 7 p.m., barely seeing my kids before bed. I thought I was doing it for them, but I was missing the moments that mattered most.
Now I remind myself that careers can wait; childhood can’t. It’s all about choosing what’s most important right now. There will be a season for hustle and another for slowing down.

3. Yes, You Can Work and Still Be a Great Mom

Being a working mom doesn’t make you any less of a mothe;r it makes you human.
Some women thrive as stay-at-home moms; others, like me, need a sense of personal fulfillment through work. I tried being home full-time, but I felt something was missing. Having a career gives me purpose beyond motherhood, and that makes me a happier mom.
Do what feels right for you. There’s no one perfect version of motherhood, only what fits your family best.

4. Career Growth Is Possible—But It Might Look Different

You can still grow your career while raising kids, it just might take longer, and that’s okay.
Right now, climbing the corporate ladder would mean more travel, longer hours, and less time with my family. For me, slow growth is worth the trade-off.
Your timeline doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Progress is still progress, even if it’s at your own pace.

5. Your Children Need You Now

The early years fly by faster than we realize. What you do for your kids today, reading bedtime stories, eating together, simply being present, matters more than any promotion.
I’ve learned this firsthand. I didn’t always get it right with my older kids, but I’m using those lessons now. My toddler needs me, and so do my big kids. Being intentional in this season is my biggest career goal.

💕 Final Thoughts: Finding Balance as a Working Mom

Every mom’s journey looks different. Maybe you’re chasing your dream career, or maybe you’re taking a step back to focus on home life; both choices are valid.
Balancing motherhood and career isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to pause.
So, to all the working moms, stay-at-home moms, and everything-in-between moms, remember: you’re doing an amazing job.

Wellness in Motherhood

Wellness in Motherhood

Being considered the rock of the family isn’t easy. As moms, we often wear every hat: caregiver, employee, chef, cleaner, scheduler, emotional supporter, and more. Everyone relies on us, and sometimes it feels like we have to hold the world together with nothing left to give.

For me, every week is packed with activities. I work full-time, cook, tidy up the house, help the older kids with school assignments, juggle a toddler during work calls, drive to sports practices, handle doctor appointments, and still try to check in emotionally with my kids and husband. I ask about their day, listen when they’re struggling, and try to lift them up with love and encouragement.

But here’s the truth: Mom burnout is real. I’ve had days when I feel like I’m running on empty, questioning how much longer I can keep up the pace. So how do I stay grounded? How do I protect my mental health and emotional well-being while managing the chaos of motherhood?

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My Two Non-Negotiables for Self-Care

1. Move My Body Even When I’m Exhausted
One of the best mental health tips for moms I’ve learned is to prioritize movement. Exercise isn’t just about fitness; it’s therapy. I carve out time to work out, even if it means hopping on the treadmill after everyone’s asleep. Some days I sneak in a walk, hit the gym, or do a quick at-home HIIT session.

Physical activity helps me release stress, boost my mood, and feel in control again. It’s my reset button the moment I trade anxiety and overwhelm for endorphins and energy.

2. Protect My “Me Time” Without Guilt
As mothers, we often feel guilty taking time for ourselves, but self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for survival. After the kids are in bed, I protect that quiet time. Sometimes I scroll, sometimes I journal, and sometimes I just breathe.

Writing my thoughts down or blogging helps me process everything that’s going on inside. Recently, I’ve also started a monthly self-care ritual, doing something purely for me. Whether it’s getting my nails done, buying a new outfit, or treating myself to coffee alone, these small acts of love help refill my emotional tank.

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Finding Peace Amid the Chaos of Motherhood

Some days feel impossible. Some seasons drain you more than others. But I remind myself that every stage of motherhood is temporar,y and this too shall pass.

When the exhaustion hits, I focus on my purpose: my love for my family. All the sleepless nights, messes, and endless to-do lists are building something beautiful, a home filled with love and resilience. My biggest hope is that my children see the example I’m setting: that even in chaos, we can choose strength, gratitude, and grace.

Motherhood isn’t about being perfec,t it’s about being present. Despite the stress, I hold on to one truth: our family bond is forever, and that’s worth fighting for.

My 7lb in 7 Days Challenge (Oct 14–Oct 21)

My 7lb in 7 Days Challenge (Oct 14–Oct 21) 

✨After struggling to stay consistent with my postpartum fitness routine, I decided to push myself and take on a personal challenge: losing 7 pounds in 7 days. I wanted to see what I could achieve with discipline, clean eating, and short daily workouts. The results surprised me, I lost 6.3 pounds in just one week! In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what I did each day, what I ate, and how I stayed motivated throughout the challenge. Whether you’re a busy mom, on your own fitness journey, or just curious if a 7-day challenge really works, this one’s for you. 💪✨

It wasn’t easy, but I’m so proud of my progress. I followed a keto-based diet and worked out 20–35 minutes daily, and it paid off! Below, I’m sharing everything I did during my 7-day challenge, from my workouts to my meals.

Tracking & Diet

I used the free version of the MyFitnessPal app to track my calories and stay in a deficit of around 1,670 calories per day. My meals were high in protein and low in carbs, focused on whole, clean ingredients.
💡 If you want me to share the exact keto-friendly recipes I used, comment below!

Daily Breakdown

Day 1

• Workout: 35-minute leg day (gym)

• Breakfast: Eggs

• Lunch: Protein bar

• Dinner: Chicken with sweet potatoes and carrots

Day 2

• Workout: 30-minute chest & triceps (gym)

• Breakfast: Protein bar

• Lunch: Factor meal

• Dinner: Beef stew

Day 3

• Workout: 1-mile run + back workout (gym)

• Breakfast: Eggs & bacon

• Lunch: Fruit salad

• Dinner: Meatballs with broccoli

Day 4

• Workout: 35-minute leg workout (gym)

• Brunch: Banana & protein shake

• Dinner: Chicken cordon bleu with asparagus

Day 5

• Workout: 2-mile run

• Breakfast: Hard-boiled eggs

• Lunch: Café Rio salad

• Dinner: Ground beef-stuffed zucchini boats

Day 6

• Workout: 1-mile run + 20-minute shoulder & biceps workout

• Breakfast: Protein bar & banana

• Lunch: Factor meal

• Dinner: Beef stew

Day 7

• Workout: Full-body HIIT (home)

• Brunch: Eggs & bacon

• Dinner: Zucchini noodles “carbonara” with bacon & parmesan

• 
  

Workout Summary

Day	Focus	Duration
1	Legs	35 min
2	Chest & Triceps	30 min
3	Back + 1-mile Run	40 min
4	Legs	35 min
5	2-mile Run	25 min
6	Shoulders & Biceps	20 min
7	HIIT Cardio (Home)	25 min

Final Thoughts

Even though I didn’t hit the whole 7 pounds, 6.3 pounds in a week is still a big win! I felt stronger, lighter, and more motivated to keep going.

💪 I’ll be doing this challenge again soon. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @allthingsmichy to see my next results and join in!

Outdoor Fun on a Budget: Fall & Winter Family Activities

Outdoor Fun on a Budget: Fall & Winter Family Activities 🍂❄️

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make unforgettable memories with your family, especially during the cozy fall and winter seasons. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, there are still plenty of simple, fun, and meaningful activities you can enjoy together.

Below are some of our favorite things to do as a family here in Utah (and most can be done just about anywhere!). I’ve broken them down into fall and winter ideas. Just keep in mind that daylight hours get shorter this time of year, so plan your outdoor adventures earlier in the day, unless you’re up for exploring with flashlights!

🍁 Fall Activities

1. Go on Family-Friendly Hikes

We live in Utah and love hiking! During the summer, we hit the trails weekly, but once fall arrives, we slow things down a bit. There’s still plenty to explor,e from easy walks perfect for young kids to more challenging trails if you’re feeling adventurous. As a family with little ones, we focus on short, kid-friendly hikes to soak in the crisp fall air and changing leaves.

2. Take Scenic Drives

Utah’s mountain views are breathtaking, especially in the fall. A simple drive through the canyons to admire the colorful leaves is an affordable and relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Bring some snacks, roll down the windows, and enjoy nature’s show from the comfort of your car.

3. Plan a Picnic

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, packing a simple picnic and heading to a local park, lake, or beach is always a hit. We love lying on the grass, enjoying a meal outdoors, and watching the kids run around and explore. It’s amazing how a change of scenery can make even a regular meal feel special.

4. Visit Local Parks

You don’t need to plan an elaborate outing; sometimes, a quick trip to the neighborhood park is all it takes. Even 30 minutes on the swings or slides can make a big difference for kids (and for you!).

5. Host an Outdoor Movie Night

This one is always a family favorite. Grab a budget-friendly projector from Amazon or Walmart, set up a screen (or a white sheet), and enjoy a movie under the stars. Add some popcorn, cozy blankets, and your kids’ favorite film, and you’ve got a magical night without spending much at all.

❄️ Winter Activities

6. Try DIY Projects

Cold weather is the perfect excuse to get creative indoors. One of our go-to activities is painting. We visit Five Below to grab canvases and paint, and everyone gets to unleash their inner artist. To make it more fun, we turn it into a little competition with a small prize for the best piece (though we usually reward everyone with a treat because they always do great!).

7. Backyard or Front Yard Camping

Who says you have to travel far to enjoy camping? Setting up a tent right in your backyard can be just as exciting for kids. You don’t need fancy gear, just the basics like a tent and sleeping bags. You can even use a mattress and blankets from inside if you want to keep things extra cozy. Just remember, fall and winter nights can get chilly, so dress warmly, layer up, and consider using a small heater for added comfort. Add some hot cocoa and s’mores, and you’ve got yourself an adventure without leaving home.

Final Thoughts

Making memories with your family doesn’t have to cost much at all. With a little creativity and planning, fall and winter can become your favorite seasons for family fun. Whether you’re hiking a trail, painting together, or camping under the stars in your own yard, these moments will stick with your kids for years to come, and that’s priceless.