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Working Mama…

pink-peonies-2 pink-peonies pink-peonies-1pink-peonies-3 diy-painted-wooden-blocks white-marble-kitchen-1 hersheys-cocoa yellow-lab hersheys-cocoa-1 white-marble-traditional-kitchenToday I’m excited to be partnering with HERSHEY’S in preparation for ‘Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day’ tomorrow, April 28th! I have a unique work situation and am blessed to be able to work from almost anywhere as long as I have a camera and computer with me, whether I’m home with Isla and Dash or on vacation with my family.

Lately Isla’s favorite thing to do is crawl EVERYWHERE and play with blocks! Last week we had fun painting these blocks and she has been playing with them nonstop (download this PDF for DIY blocks and my mom’s homemade brownie recipe!). I love having Isla Rose and Dash playing at my feet while I work so these blocks have been perfect to occupy her while I work! They’re also perfect if you’re a parent of young children, and need an activity to entertain your child in a new environment or one they’re not quite used to (read: with you at work, anywhere out of the house).

Whenever we need a break we stop to have a little snack. My favorite treat during this pregnancy so far has been chocolate (and let’s be honest, it’s always been a favorite but I love it even more when I’m pregnant ;). Growing up, my mom always made these delicious homemade brownies that call for HERSHEY’S Cocoa and I give Isla a few tiny bites and she always opens her mouth for more (but I have to keep a close eye on her so she doesn’t give any to the fur brother! And she honestly has more fun making a mess and spreading the frosting everywhere rather than eating it!). While she’s little now, I’m excited to continue the tradition of enjoying my mom’s recipe together as Isla grows up and can start helping too.

I have such a passion for everything I do, especially the last year working to launch my clothing line! It’s easy to get caught up in life’s everyday moments – from running errands to small and large work tasks (at times those can seem endless!). But my very favorite thing in the world is to be a mom so no matter how crazy my day gets I always take time to be with Isla!!!  Always remember it’s good to take a break, remind yourself that happiness is a choice and that we all should not let the day go by without a special “Hello Happy Moment.”

xo, Rach

Brought to you by The Hershey Company.

80 Comments

    1. Thanks for your comment Emily!! Sometimes it’s hard to remember, but it really is a choice. And I definitely think they are the cutest duo around! :)

      Xo Rach

      Reply

  13. I love brownies but haven’t made them in forever, I’ll have to check out the recipe. I wish I still had my grandmother’s recipe, she used to make the best brownies (they may have been from a box-I’m not sure) but they were amazing!

    Be careful with the blocks, my little one at Isla’s age was playing with plastic blocks in her playpen and lost her balance and fell on one of them. All of a sudden I saw blood!! It has cut the very outer corner of her eye. I was right next to her when it happened. That was our very first trip to the walk-in clinic, I was frantic not knowing if it was just a cut or in fact damaged her eye. Everything turned out okay, but it really does only take a second (I can see you’re sitting with her as was I, babies are so curious!) Also, I know you painted your own blocks, they are super cute! Sometimes paints labelled non-toxic are okay for young children however they are not intended to be consumed and babies as we know put EVERYTHING in their mouth. In the past I’ve bought eco-friendly water-based non-toxic blocks for my little one but they are sealed so the paint can’t come off-just watch that she doesn’t put them in her mouth.

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    1. Thanks for your comment Jenny!! I’m sorry that happened with your daughter, thank you for sharing. I do keep a close eye on her but you’re right, babies are curious! So I will for sure be more cautious.

      Xo Rach

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  14. This is too cute, Rach! She’s getting SO big! My heart melted at the sight of the first pic, look at the position of her little legs! I agree, it’s definitely important to take breaks and truly cherish the moment, especially when there’s little ones, they do grow so fast! Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

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    1. I totally agree. Some days are challenging but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thanks for commenting Kristztina :)

      Xo Rach

      Reply

  28. Wise words. It goes by in a flash. My “baby” graduates from college in June and she, along with her older sister, have given me so many moments of joy and pride. It is so easy to get lost in a to do list. Grab each moment and cherish it.

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    1. Thank you Anne, how sweet. Congratulations to your “baby” on graduating from college. That is such an amazing accomplishment!

      Xo Rach

      Reply

  38. I love Isla’s sweet smile in your last photo! Those brownies look so good. I’m going to have to try the recipe. I have only ever made boxed brownies. I just wanted to tell you congrats on your clothing line! The pieces are amazing and you truly are an inspiration to me. :) And I couldn’t agree more that being a mom is the best thing in the world. I have a 2 year old daughter and I am due in 2 weeks with a little boy and my heart is so full with happiness that I get to be their mom. :)

    Rachel
    Simply Rachel Nicole

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    1. Thanks Rachel!!! Congratulations on your soon to be baby boy! That is so exciting!!! Being a mom really does give me the most joy in life. Best of luck to you!!

      Xo Rach

      Reply

  39. The recipe looks really yummy !!! Maybe try with regular butter since is way healthier and it will provide good fats for your developing baby :) Blessings !

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  48. Great words of advice, Rachel! Happiness truly is a choice. We all have different circumstances to contend with but at the end of the day our attitude determines so much of what happens to us and how we impact those around us. It’s obvious that you are a happy mama. :)

    Your blouse is gorgeous-so soft and feminine and Isla looks like such a fun, happy baby. Great post!

    x
    Karla

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  53. This is so sweet! I love being able to work from home with my two little ladies and even more so I love sharing the traditions my mom passed down to me with them! Especially arts and crafts and anything creative. I remember sewing and paint with my mom quite a bit. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply