I’m excited to share with all of you some ways I have found to make extra money as a stay at home mom. A lot of people have wanted to know my tips on couponing as well, which I will also address. When my husband and I decided I would stay at home as the main caregiver, there was a lot of discussion around the finances, for obvious reasons. We revisited our budget, made a bunch of calls to our bills to see where we could cut costs, and also started shopping more at Aldi. I usually visit there once a month on average.

Now, how do I MAKE MONEY??

Ibotta app
My number one way is by using the Ibotta app. If you haven’t heard of this app yet, shame on you 🙂 It’s basically a rebate app that pays you money back for doing your everyday shopping. Each retailer has items that if you buy, they will pay you money. So they are benefiting since you are buying their products. For example, I just sent my receipt in this morning from Walmart and made $2.50. I got paid for buying yogurt, baby food, and crackers. Also, they have money back for buying any item. It really gets you in the habit of using the app. My email reminded me this morning that it has been a full year using it now.  With Black Friday deals coming up too, you can buy directly through the app and earn even more cash back. These are things you were going to buy anyway. We recently bought my daughter an Echo Dot for music in her room after she starting having night terrors. And pretty much the cutest thing is hearing her tell Alexa what music she wants to hear. We purchased through the app to get 5% back. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you stay home, every dollar (or cent) matters.

So how does it work?
>> Download the Ibotta app
>> Enter my promo code to get $10 free!
>> Start shopping the rebates and offers on the app (It really is that simple)
>> After you purchase items, scan/upload your receipt
>> You can send the money earned to your account! It usually takes just a day.

So yes, the app is free! No gimmicks 🙂 Make the most of your holiday shopping this year and grocery shopping throughout the year!

Now, let me talk coupons!
There have been shopping trips where I save 15-20% on my total with coupons. I will admit, using coupons does take time. I compare the sales and then combine it with coupons I have. Sometimes I am even able to double up coupons. For example, if I have two separate coupons for the same item I can use both. I also use the Ibotta app in combination with coupons. And for some reason, I am on Kroger’s best customer list. So i get free coupons all the time.

Open an online shop
Another way to make money is sell your talents! What do you do best? I have been slowly getting back into crafts and sewing. I had an Etsy shop set up when I was making wood signs (pre-second baby) and that would allow me to do some projects while the kids nap or in the evening. And as many of you know, my back pain has limited some of this for now.  I’m now 8 months postpartum so taking it easy and slowly healing. But this requires a lot of time stretching and strengthening. I’m hopeful to get back into selling handmade items in the next year or two!

Craiglist/Facebook Marketplace
I have also been on the minimalist journey so I am frequently cleaning out and selling anything of value on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. For those with kids, minimalism has saved me so much time (and money). You spend less time cleaning up clutter and have more time to spend with family. I am only surrounded by the things I love (and that bring me joy). If you haven’t read The Life changing magic of tidying up, it should be on your list. What, you don’t have time? Me neither, but for me this was a priority. I skimmed that book in a day or two and began sending bags and bags of STUFF and CLUTTER to be donated.

Amazon Associates program
You know all those links to products on Amazon when you are reading blogs? Well when you buy through the link provided, the person makes a little money (and does a little happy dance). Pretty simple right? It took me less than 5 minutes to set up my account. Read more about the program here! Who doesn’t shop Amazon?? 🙂 This program works well for me because I have a blog, use ALOT of Amazon products, and love to help others (especially moms) find deals!

So there you have it! What other ways do you have to make money while staying home? Taking care of two littles is a full time job, but there are little snippets of ME time. And some of these above mentioned take little time! Please comment with questions too!

Thanks for reading!

Kim

In hindsight, postpartum after having my first baby wasn’t nearly as bad as with the second. Not to say it was by any means easy or to say others haven’t had a rough time. From what my experience has been, most people think that once the baby comes things get easier. Not sure where that idea came from.  I’m here to tell you what postpartum life is really like. It’s not easy friends! Cute baby faces help, but it’s often a struggle.

Throughout my second pregnancy I constantly heard that the baby would deliver faster and easier. In my case, I went into labor at night so going all day and not resting didn’t help. With my daughter (first born), I labored in the morning so had a full nights sleep. So that at least made it seem easier looking back. My doctor told me throughout pregnancy that my uterus is more sensitive now with the second, and I believe that!

Once I delivered I was ready for the second night cluster feeding. I was ready for all I expected having done this before. What I haven’t been ready for is experiencing back pain to the point of not being able to pick up and play with my kids. I don’t always have help so I have to do it regardless. This makes the healing process feel like it will never progress. Add in the late night feedings and holding the baby and it becomes excruciating. There have been many nights where I just held a crying baby and broke down myself.  With my husband on night shift, I have texted him just to vent and hear someone say it will be ok. That’s what I need to hear. That my feelings are ok. It’s ok that I’m frustrated because right as I get comfortable the baby is once again crying.

I am now three months in and still having this back pain. I know it will take time to heal and I have an amazing community of support giving me exercises I can do to strengthen my core. Having two babies within two years wasn’t easy on my body, especially my abdominal muscles. When I asked my doctor if I have Diastasis recti (ab separation that is common in 2 out of 3 women with multiple children) he shrugged it off. I did a plank around my six week mark when I was released to exercise again. My low back overcompensated for it. The hardest part is just doing the day to day with two babies; the constant getting up and down, carrying a 25 lb toddler and making sure everyone stays safe.

The care women receive here in the United States is not where it should be. If you remember after my first I became so frustrated with the system while trying to figure out if I had mastitis. I recently found this article on the Fit4Mom blog that shows what different cultures do to support mothers postpartum. It really is sad to see where the United States is in comparison. We often feel like we have more love to give (i.e. have more babies) but don’t have the support we need to stay happy, healthy, and mentally sane.

Breastfeeding is another thing that happens to your body. It actually HAPPENS to your body. Your breasts become huge, saggy, squirting, leaking, sweaty, rashes and oh so uncomfortable. And I’m not really sure if my back rolls are breast tissue or what. Forget those bras you already bought during pregnancy. They don’t fit. Go spend another hundred dollars and maybe get a little bit more comfort. But try to leave the house with two kids in tow and focus on trying clothes on. I didn’t even mention the first few weeks of breastfeeding nipple pain. Brace yourself and scream at the same time your baby does.  Then cry because your baby is frustrated now too and not latching. And moms who feed another way you are amazing too! I am not here to complain or take it for granted because I know so many moms have different journeys and that is totally fine!

I debated talking about the emotional side of things. There is a lot of shame surrounding it. There is a big difference in feelings between my first and second. But not because I love one more than the other. You love them differently, as a friend of mine explained it perfectly. Savannah will always hold a special place, being my first born. She made me a mommy. And Owen, well we are seeing his personality more and more every day. It’s really tough to soak in the moments the same as when Savannah was a newborn. You don’t have the time you once had, nor the patience. These feelings lead to a lot of mom guilt; where you feel like you can’t help either child 100%. You also miss when it was easy, just the two of you. So then you have more guilt for thinking that, as if its the same as saying you don’t love your second.

I use to say I could never handle two kids. Somedays are better than others. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it, especially when these two little faces look up at me with wide eyes (especially when Owen should be sleeping). And the sweetest thing is seeing them in awe of each other. Savannah is 22 months older than Owen and it has taken a little while for her to warm up to him. But the moments she kisses him or asks to play with him make my heart melt. Their dad going to work everyday working so hard makes me sit back and appreciate this family dynamic for now. I know that some day I will miss all of it. So if I cry more some days, so be it. They will see a strong, but vulnerable mom. Maybe someday they will want to be like me and have a family of their own. Each day that both of my tiny humans are safe and happy is a win in my book!

**Edited to add that since having my Mirena (IUD birth control) recently removed my symptoms of back pain and emotional side effects have significantly improved. And that’s a post for another day. The doctors had done very little to forewarn me of these additional hormonal side effects after having just gone through labor & delivery.

Photo by Olivia McCarty

I always heard how your second baby would be a tough pregnancy, but I was in for a surprise. Being fairly healthy and working out consistently didn’t make a difference for me. Being only 15 months out from my first baby, my body still hadn’t fully adjusted back to normal yet. By about month 4 or so into my second pregnancy, I started having terrible back spasms at night, waking up screaming. Thankful for my husband all these nights for waking up and helping me, massaging it and comforting me. I was familiar with normal achiness from my first pregnancy, but I knew this was different. It was my upper right back and nothing was helping. Heat made it worse and I was at a loss of what to do. I became so frustrated and sad, not being able to do everyday tasks or fully able to play with and take care of my daughter. That was truly the worst part. I was already going through the anxiety of welcoming another baby where she wouldn’t get my full attention. So like any determined parent would do, I sought help and answers. I wouldn’t take no for an answer and chalk it up to “normal pregnancy symptoms” as many doctors and others had told me.

I called around to my insurance to see what would be covered. I reached out to my facebook mom groups for guidance to see if anyone experienced something similar. I talked to physical therapist family members. A lot of people recommended chiropractic care. So I decided to try it. I went to one complimentary appointment and left there not feeling convinced it would offer relief. It wasn’t for me. (And this doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, I just felt uneasy about all the adjustments during pregnancy) And honestly, I left there with a suggestive problem of scoliosis. And I wasn’t convinced.

I reached out to my Fit4Mom family and several people recommended a physical therapy office near me. My first visit was amazing! They listened to what was ailing me, took measurements, gave me exercises to build strength, and did deep tissue massage in my upper back. It was instant relief (although still had a long way to go). This was early January and I am still going 1-2 times a week. I have built up strength, learned to be more aware of my posture, and do exercises daily to maintain my strength. I can’t say enough good things about the therapists at Performance Physical Therapy here in Lexington, Ky. I have spent the most time with Erin and she has done more than I would ever expect to help me. She is one of the most caring, kind, human beings I have ever met. With two small children of her own, she is familiar with everything that comes with pregnancy.

With a growing belly and other areas getting bigger contributing to the pain, carrying a toddler around, and prepping for a new baby, physical therapy has been life changing for me. I can sleep through the night and enjoy my daughter during the day. The pain is not fully gone, but it is manageable. No more spasms and screaming at night. In the evening I have exercises to do after a long day to help the muscles relax. And a massage chair has been great too!!

Photo by Olivia McCarty

So all you fellow mamas with pain- DON’T GIVE UP! There is hope for your pain relief. I hope to take these techniques and lessons into postpartum care too. You know, the times where you hunch over breastfeeding. I will definitely be more aware of posture and continue to strengthen the muscles. One thing I did learn is that your upper back/shoulder/rotator cuff area is super sensitive and you have to make a conscious effort to build strength. It is very fragile. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts! I hope if you are reading this, you advocate for your body during pregnancy. Only you know if what you are feeling is normal. You got this mama!

Thanks for reading!
Kim

Once we found out we were pregnant with sweet baby number two, we starting rethinking the bedrooms in our home. Savannah’s nursery was directly across from the master and that was enough of a struggle to walk across the hall for the night time feedings, so I knew that room would be perfect for baby Owen. Sorry Savannah, you get the smaller room. But you have a bathroom next door. Win??

We moved her crib and furniture down the hall and she didn’t blink an eye moving or sleeping at night. She is at the age where its fun wherever Mommy and Daddy are. She runs circles around her new room, and as you can see from these photos, loves to get in the pictures.

We originally painted her nursery an off white when we first moved in and with tall ceilings, it was not an easy undertaking to repaint. And the color, Swiss Coffee by SW, I have throughout my home. It is one of my favorite neutral colors. So I added color and texture throughout the room without changing the wall color. Once we decided to move her room, I knew this was the perfect opportunity for that pink! It’s a very light, blush pink that is soft and perfect for my little baby. So here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: the reveal! (And I had to rearrange and clean countless times, so don’t let that fool you with a toddler, haha) And links to items can be found at the bottom.

Designing any room takes time. My secret is finding a piece or two and designing the room around that. I started with the paint color and then added complimentary colors like shades of green. My favorite thing in the room is this painting of the Keeneland race course. Being born a derby baby, it goes perfect in her room. I found a local artist here and I pretty much want all of her artwork for my house. 
Pterodactyls are a girl’s best friend. Or so Savannah tells me. This cute poster was only $5 at a local vintage store here in Lexington, Ky. I am tempted to go back and find a different one for Owen’s room.
I made this custom sign before Savannah was born (back when I had free time, ha). I love how it turned out and I hope she loves it as she grows up. It can definitely grow with her as her room continues to change.
How cute are these little hexagon wood shelves? They are perfect for showcasing little treasures that should not be in reach of a toddler anyway! And how suiting that they look like a bee hive, one of her favorite things!
Do you have a Nancy Tillman collection of books? These are my favorite books and Savannah loves reading them too. The illustrations are perfect just like the stories. 
We have several empty frames just waiting for the perfect picture. Her daddy picked out this gray Me & My Brother frame. I can’t wait to see how much Savannah will love her little brother.I keep a bunch of treasures in this cute box. Her birthday cards, Christmas cards, ultrasound pictures and other random things. I even looked back at her tiny hospital bracelet and almost shed a tear.
I found this two tier little rack and thought it would be perfect for bows. Even though who has time for that these days. She usually has her jammies on most days now since it’s so cold!

We bought this hamper before Savannah was born and we still love it. The 3 Sprouts storage containers are my favorite because they are adorable, child friendly, and don’t show too much wear and tear.And her room wouldn’t be complete without her one year dress and pictures of Mommy and Daddy. That little frame is her ultrasound picture. A way for us to freeze time. Who knew we would love you THIS much and you continue to amaze us every day?!

Baby Owen, we have not forgot about you either buddy. This pregnant mama can only move so fast. I can’t believe we are about 8 weeks away from meeting you. Here’s a sneak peek from his room. We don’t really have a so-called theme. And this is the best way for me when it comes to designing. I usually start with a few pieces I love and the rest of the room comes together. Since we have so many neutral colors right now I am hoping to bring in some brighter or bolder colors with an area rug. Maybe navy blue or turquoise.

Gotta have a touch of Army in there somewhere!
I am thinking of making a wall of shelves for books. I have a feeling Savannah will be reading him all the stories!
THIS ROCKER!! It is my favorite piece of furniture in the house! We kept it in the baby’s room for those late night feedings. I will probably never part with it.
She went over to the Rock n Play and said “Rock rock.” She is already ready for sweet Owen.
Owen’s room wouldn’t be complete without these UK booties and hat of course. And his daddy wants ALL the UK jerseys for little man too. We are ready for you (although your room may not be). It’s all a process. But a super fun one!

Sherwin Williams Paint color Savannah’s room- Intimate White
Glidden Paint color Owen’s room- Swiss Coffee
Horse print- Kayla Weber Art
Lamp- Ikea
Dinosaur poster- Street Scene Vintage
Changing pad cover- Burt’s Bees Baby
Dresser- Ikea
Rolling cart- Target
Swinging bunny mobile- Etsy
Hexagon wall shelves- Target
White two tier wire storage for bows- Hobby Lobby
3 Sprouts polar bear hamper- Target
Cream ruffle curtains- Target
Nancy Tillman books- Amazon
Green baby dress- Target
White Graco crib- Wayfair
Army green hamper- Amazon
Gray Buffalo plaid crib sheet- Burts Bees baby
White rocker- Babies R Us
Puppy Rock n Play- Target

What are your favorite things to do when designing a kid’s room or nursery? Leave me a comment below.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Kim