Leila Lewis - Inspired By This https://www.inspiredbythis.com Lifestyle site sharing weddings, home design, parties, travel and more Thu, 29 Jun 2023 03:58:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://d259o9es2o749h.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/09091251/cropped-Screenshot-2025-05-07-at-2.15.50%E2%80%AFPM-32x32.png Leila Lewis - Inspired By This https://www.inspiredbythis.com 32 32 A Cozy Stay At The Cloudveil in Jackson, Wyoming https://www.inspiredbythis.com/travel-3/travel-destinations/a-cozy-stay-at-the-cloudveil-in-jackson-wyoming/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-cozy-stay-at-the-cloudveil-in-jackson-wyoming Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:35:29 +0000 https://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=187465 Recently, our family of six made the road trip to Jackson, Wyoming, where we experienced an unforgettable stay at none other then, The Cloudveil. This independent hotel sits right in the middle of Jackson Hole valley. It’s not only perfectly located in the town, where everything is within walking distance, but it also is located right … Continued

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Recently, our family of six made the road trip to Jackson, Wyoming, where we experienced an unforgettable stay at none other then, The Cloudveil. This independent hotel sits right in the middle of Jackson Hole valley. It’s not only perfectly located in the town, where everything is within walking distance, but it also is located right near Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, which I highly recommend exploring. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’re passing through, or looking for a long weekend getaway in the mountains. Take my advice, and book a plush and comfortable stay at The Cloudveil in Jackson, Wyoming – you won’t regret it.

About The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection Hotel,

“As the only hotel located on Jackson’s historic Town Square, The Cloudveil draws upon the town’s signature Western style, while bringing understated luxury and a refined, yet relaxed sensibility to the valley. Rooted in the destination, people, and soul of Jackson Hole, The Cloudveil name gives both a nod to the Cloudveil Dome within the Teton Range. The name also invokes the veil of clouds lifting to reveal the transformational journey guests will undoubtedly embark on, as they experience the natural wonder and enduring character of Jackson Hole.”

The Cloudveil features the following :

  • 100 guest rooms and suites
  • An expansive rooftop terrace overlooking Jackson’s Town Square and Snow King Mountain
  • A tranquil outdoor pool
  • A state-of-the-art fitness center
  • 7,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting and event

space.

What more could you ask for?! The Cloudveil in Jackson Wyoming, truly, has it all.

More about our stay,

We stayed in a suite, which included a master bedroom and attached master bathroom with a tub. The living room had a 2nd bathroom, a pull out couch, mini refrigerator and tons of closet storage with hangers – ideally it would be perfect for a family of 4-5, but we made it work as a family of 6. The outdoor pool hotel was a great way for the kids to burn off some energy at the end of the day.

You can’t beat this hotel’s location. Being that it’s in the heart of townsquare, everything is walkable – the coffee shops, the souvenir stores, and all the restaurants. The famous arches with the antlers and park is also right across the street, which is another great way to burn off some of the kid’s energy.

Our trip highlights included,

Every summer night, they feature a western play. While we were there, they performed, “Annie Get Your Gun” with a western “shoot out”. It was viewable from the rooftop of The Cloudveil, where we had drinks and pre dinner snacks.  

The Bistro restaurant inside of The Cloudveil was incredible. They easily made accommodations to our diet, which include gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions. It was an amazing experience and we’d definitely go back to The Bistro.

From the moment we arrived, the service was incredible. From valet, to the front desk, to the pool attendant, their service was unmatched. 

The Cloudveil set up an EcoTours sunset ride for us one evening. This was our favorite part of the trip!  Our tour guide, Verlin, was incredible. He knew exactly where to take us, and knew so much about the park. Verlin brought us on an off-road tour with private views of lakes and wildlife. On our entire adventure, we were able to see : bison, a cow (mother moose) and her calf, pronghorn, elk, a bull moose drinking in a pond, and even a grizzly bear with her 3 cubs. It was as incredible as it sounds! This is a must do in Jackson.

Because The Cloudveil is roughly an hour south of Yellowstone National Park, we decided to make the drive on another day of our trip to Wyoming. We took the kids to see the Old Faithful geysers and they were in awe. We saw black bears, hiked and were fully immersed in nature. Every family has to visit Yellowstone. It was a trip that we will never forget and we cannot wait to go back!!

If you find yourself planning a road trip this Summer, you must read our ‘Top 10 Road Trip Must Haves’.

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Back to School Hacks From A Mom Of Four https://www.inspiredbythis.com/grow/back-to-school-hacks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=back-to-school-hacks Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=171062 I’m a mom of four of little ones that now all go to school. I can’t believe it! My youngest is almost three and just started school last week. I work and have minimal child care at home these days and managing all the kids and a company is a lot! So, I wanted to share … Continued

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I’m a mom of four of little ones that now all go to school. I can’t believe it! My youngest is almost three and just started school last week. I work and have minimal child care at home these days and managing all the kids and a company is a lot! So, I wanted to share some life hacks and back to school hacks that have been game changing for me, in hopes that it can help you too.

Image via @planetbox

.01 – Mabel’s Labels

Image via @mabelslabels

I love this company and I order from them every single year. Do I have extra name labels with the kids’ names on them each year? Yes, of course…but I always get more…because I literally label everything. Gloves, hats, shoes, clothes (especially for my younger two who go to preschool and pre-k…clothes go missing at school), nap sacks, backpacks, hair bows, school folders, notebooks, headphones, snack bags, lunch boxes, water bottles. You name it…I label it. If you do not have these you are missing out! You need them!

Use code INSPIREDBYTHIS for 10% off.

.02 – PlanetBox Lunch Boxes

Image via @planetbox

I know there are tons of different lunch box options out there, but the reason I use this company is because I don’t want my kids’ food sitting in plastic all day long. The PlanetBox is an eco-friendly stainless steel lunch box that is so durable and has lasted me for years. Over time I have gotten one or two more to have, and now I have enough for each child to have two of them. WHY would I do that??

Because now when the kids are at school, I can make lunch for the next day in the peace and quiet at the house. It is prepped and ready before the chaos of them returning home, needing snacks, doing homework and me having to make dinner. I used to wash the lunch boxes in the middle of all that, finding time to make the lunch boxes only after they had gone to bed. It was exhausting. As a working mom I’m always trying to find ways to be more efficient with my time. This little hack has saved me this back to school season so far, and I hope it does the same for you!

.03 – Health and Wellness

Image via @doterra

Every day my kids are either taking all of the list below or a combo of this or that. It all depends on how everyone is feeling and if I need to support them more or less at the time.  

Vitamin D

Vitamin C

Zinc/Elderberry

I also love giving them Sovereign Silver (1 dropper full) for immune support and roll on a special roller bottle that my friend Melody told me to get from doTerra. What a difference this little combo has made for us. Even with all of the back to school germs we’ve been able to stay healthy!

I recently just bought a nebulizer because my kids are prone to getting croup when they get a cold. I watched a few videos and read up on this treatment suggestion from a few doctors. Two weeks ago, when the younger two boys started to sound congested, I got to put it to the test. WOW what a difference this nebulizer made! One of our editors, Ashley, also told me to have this bronchial wellness syrup and the wellements chest rub on hand. Thank goodness I did because I used both with the nebulizer, and my kids never got very sick. These are all great items to have at home just in case!

.04 – One Pot Meals

Image via @lexiscleankitchen

Because no one has the time especially with the kids’ daily routines and since I have so many of them I need to simplify where I can. The best back to school hacks also make home life easier. I could never have imagined how much flavor can come from one pot! From spaghetti and meatballs to peanut butter overnight oats, the possibilities are endless. Even a quick Google search has given me some of my family’s faves. Who knew making a chicken enchilada could be so easy?!


While I’ve definitely got the savory covered, my kids also enjoy the sweet side of an easy on-the-go meal. I love Kelly Leveque smoothie recipes because they balance blood sugar and make our family feel satiated with lots of power before we head out to school or soccer games.

.05 – Love On Your Kids’ Teachers

Image via @sierralmiller

A little gift basket to start out the year with a card, candle, gift cards, or a frame that they can put the whole class photo in is a great way to make that relationship strong. Take care of them above what the classroom mom organizes for birthdays or the holidays. I have found that notes of gratitude throughout the year and thoughtful gifting (doesn’t have to be expensive) strengthens the relationship with your teacher and creates great communication.

.06 – Lay Out Their Clothes the Night Before

Image via @modernmamathelabel

It’s a tiny detail, but it makes a world of a difference to have the kids dressed before they even make it to the kitchen asking for breakfast.

.07 – “Off to School” Daily Kids’ Checklist

Image via @preciousandsnow

A friend of mine gave me one of these easy back to school hacks: create a checklist for your older kids (mine are in 1st and 3rd grade) to help them get more independent and make the morning routine more efficient. Items that could be on this list: get dressed, make your bed, grab your backpack, water bottle, lunch box, did you brush your teeth and wash your face? 

A new school year means a chance to implement new back to school hacks into your schedule. My hope is that some of the one’s I have provided can make your life a little easier. Time with our kids at these ages goes fast, embrace it!

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8 Back To School Must-Haves For Your Kids https://www.inspiredbythis.com/dwell/back-to-school-must-haves/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=back-to-school-must-haves https://www.inspiredbythis.com/dwell/back-to-school-must-haves/#respond Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:00:05 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=154743 The days are getting a little shorter and cooler, which means one thing – the first day back to school is right around the corner. Having been in the first day of school game for several years now, I’ve fine-tuned my must-haves list to 8 products that have helped streamline both my school day prep … Continued

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The days are getting a little shorter and cooler, which means one thing – the first day back to school is right around the corner. Having been in the first day of school game for several years now, I’ve fine-tuned my must-haves list to 8 products that have helped streamline both my school day prep and my kids’ days at school. Here are the things I can’t live without!


Image via @amberfillerup

1. Mabel’s Labels nametags – Any mom that has lived through a school year knows that kids leaving and losing items at school is inevitable. After investing all that time and money into back to school shopping it’s important to give your lost goods the best chance possible at getting back to you. Enter: nametag labels. Mabel’s Labels is my go-to, they have the cutest designs and fonts, and even a new clothing stamp!! Oh, the things that excite us as moms. It’s so necessary to label every glove, boot, lunch box, jacket, bow, water bottle, book, etc. You cannot do life with kids in school without labels. Trust. They actually gave me a code for all of you too!! Enter INSPIREDBYTHIS at checkout for 10% off sitewide!

back to school

2. PlanetBox Lunch Boxes – With 3 kids all with different favorites and dislikes, these lunch boxes are my go-to because you can so easily personalize each one. These lunch boxes hold up so well, you’ll use it for years. I remember each year being excited to pick out a new lunch box, so instead, the kids pick out new magnets that are interchangeable so it feels like a whole new box! And if you’re feeling really motivated, you can even create custom ones to celebrate special occasions like holidays and birthdays. 

back to school

3. Clean Well Hand Sanitizer – Can we all agree that hand sanitizer in schools is a good idea? Yes!! A lot of schools require alcohol-free, and Clean Well is my favorite brand. I send my kids to school with the spray and the wipes, and I keep the foaming hand pump in my car. We all know the worst part of school is the colds and flu’s that get passed around. Hand sanitizer is key! 

back to school

4. Thermos Water Bottles – These are my favorite water bottles and bonus – they’re on Amazon! Mom win. I have one for each kid, and I usually buy a back up for each in case one gets left at school we always have one at home! They have so many cute patterns and all the kids’ favorite characters. 

5. Lunch Skins – I love their reusable snack bags! They are made out of paper and use velcro, so no plastic! I feel good knowing I can use them more than once and that I’m not storing my kids’ food in plastic. They also donate to a charity with every purchase. Check out their website if you want to learn more!

back to school

6. Essential Oils – These are my secret weapon!! Melody, from obsessed with essentials has been my oil guru for back to school and family wellness support for over 3 years. I don’t send my kids back to school without re-stocking all of my go-to’s. It helps so much in fighting sickness, killing germs and boosting the immune system that we don’t suffer the domino effect where we all go down when one kid brings it home. For immune-boosting and germ-killing, my favorite go-to blend is On Guard!  This powerhouse blend consists of Wild Orange, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary.

back to school
Photo via @obsessedwithessentials

These oils you can diffuse to kill the germs in the air, use as a hand sanitizer, apply topically (I recommend diluting with fractionated coconut oil) and you can even take this blend internally.  For immune-boosting tea, you can do a drop of On Guard, Lemon or Wild Orange to Manuka honey and that will boost your immune system, cleanse your body and knock out anything that could be lingering. When the inevitable happens and one of your kids brings home a cold or flu, I would immediately start Oregano oil, which acts as a natural antibiotic but without any damage to your gut. My husband and I take the On Guard soft gels (a strong germ-fighting blend) to make sure we don’t get taken out too. Being a parent while healthy is hard enough! 

back to school
Photo via @obsessedwithessentials

7. Backpacks – Kids’ backpacks can be tricky. They are SO. MANY. OPTIONS. Talks about buyer’s fatigue, just the thought of backpack shopping wears me out. Just me? In case not, I’ve narrowed it down to the online stores I check first – Zara Kids, Target (duh), Pottery Barn Kids, Mommore and Vaschy. May the backpack odds be ever in your favor!

8. And for moms – A Fanny Pack – This is my new go-to! It’s like mom’s new backpack for back to school #treatyourself. I know you might be thinking “that’s SO 90’s….” buuuuuut have you seen the new ones? These are so not your mom’s fanny pack. Think pebbled leather, canvas, and chic patterns.

Still unsure about the kids going back to school? Check out this fun DIY you can do with the kiddos, and our favorite healthy back to school lunches for kids!

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Why We Switched to Organic Bedding for Our Kids’ Rooms https://www.inspiredbythis.com/dwell/organic-bedding-for-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=organic-bedding-for-kids https://www.inspiredbythis.com/dwell/organic-bedding-for-kids/#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:00:19 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=152584 If you’re a mom, you know having a community of mom friends is so important! You can bounce ideas off one another, commiserate in the hardships that come with raising kids, encourage each other and share what you’ve learned about keeping kids healthy. One area we’ve recently learned about that we are inspired to share … Continued

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Organic Bedding for Kids - Inspired by This

If you’re a mom, you know having a community of mom friends is so important! You can bounce ideas off one another, commiserate in the hardships that come with raising kids, encourage each other and share what you’ve learned about keeping kids healthy. One area we’ve recently learned about that we are inspired to share with you today are changes to make at home like organic kids’ bedding in their rooms to make it an even safer place for them. We’re not saying you need to run out and replace everything today because let’s face it – beds, mattress, sheets, etc. are pricey! But we feel this is something that’s important to be aware of and to start making changes where and when you can. Our babies, toddlers and kids spend 10-12 hours a day sleeping (ok wellll maybe not all babies! But don’t worry – one day they will sleep!) so it’s important that they have a healthy sleeping environment.

Most mattresses and some pillows and sheets are treated with PCB’s and/or PBDE’s which are flame retardant chemicals sprayed on these products. While it may sound like a good idea in theory, medical research has found these chemicals to be harmful to neurological development, body regulating hormones, reproductive organs and metabolic functions. Links have been found to exist between exposure to flame retardants and cardiovascular disease, cancer and other endocrine diseases. Kids and babies are especially at risk! It’s impossible to avoid these chemicals nowadays – they’re sprayed on couches, cars, car seats, pajamas, furniture and so on. So when assessing how to limit exposure, we decided to first focus on the beds because our kids spend such a big chunk of their day there. Here are some of the brands we’ve swapped in to help reduce the risk to our little ones –

Organic Bedding for Kids - Inspired by This Organic Bedding for Kids - Inspired by This

Avocado Mattressthe mattress will be the priciest swap you make! If you think of it as an investment in your kids’ future health it makes it absolutely worth it. We love this mattress because not only is it not sprayed or treated with flame retardants, it also is made with organic materials (limiting exposure to pesticides) and is certified Green Guard Gold. This is the highest certification a company can receive for off-gases; it basically means that the VOCs (chemicals released from products in a gas form) are low from this product. It also is a very comfortable mattress! When reading books with our kids we often fall asleep and don’t wake up for hours because we are so comfy. And this mattress isn’t for kids either – if you’re sleeping on a low quality mattress now is the time to upgrade yours too!

Newton Wovenaire Crib Mattress in addition to being free of harmful chemicals, we also wanted our babies to have a breathable mattress. We love this one because it’s not made like a traditional mattress, if you open it up you’ll see it almost looks like a nest! Which is helpful for so many things – it’s completely breathable, washable (you can remove the cover and just rinse it off in the shower) and great for regulating temperature and reducing dust allergens in the crib.

Happsy Pillows – pillows are another great swap to make to help your kids chemical exposure at night. These are pricey, but they are one of the only pillows we found that have organic stuffing. Most of the time “organic pillows” will have an organic lining, but the stuffing is still really bad.

Organic Bedding for Kids - Inspired by This Organic Bedding for Kids - Inspired by This

My Green Mattress Pad Protectorkids have accidents, it’s a fact of life! Whether they wet the bed, throw up when their sick, spill a drink, color with marker on their sheets, etc the likelihood of their mattress getting stained is very likely… and after making the investment in a quality mattress you want it to last a long time! Plus after that investment, you don’t want to put a chemical filled mattress pad that completely defeats the purpose! Just like pillows, most mattress pads have an organic lining, but are filled with cheap and low quality stuffing. This one is also Green Guard Gold certified, made with organic cotton and is not sprayed or treated with flame retardants. They have both regular bed sizes and crib matress size.

Organic Bedding – now that you’ve got your safe base (mattress, mattress pad and pillows) you’ll want to top it well too! We’ve found our favorite organic crib sheets from Burt’s Bees and our kiddos sleep on the grey stripes and flowers. They are the softest!! For our older kids we found super cute designs at Pottery Barn Kids! We let our kiddos pick out their own and they picked construction, rainbows and a fun garden print.

Organic Pajamas and Underwear – last but not least, it’s good to swap our pajamas! If you’ve ever bought fleece pajamas you most likely saw the tag letting you know they are treated with flame retardants – ugh! In our opinion, this is the first swap you should make since pajamas are right on the skin. If you’ve ever looked into organic clothing you know it can be EXPENSIVE. But thankfully there are some cost effective pajama options! Our favorite brands include Burt’s Bees, Lamaze and Skylar Lunar. Gap also has cute options!

Organic underwear is also so important for little girls!! Once you’ve gone through potty training consider making the switch. Their privates are some of the most absorbent parts of the body, so pesticides and chemicals used to treat the cotton and fabric can be absorbed into the body. Two brands we regularly use are Burt’s Bees (although note that they are not 100% cotton – they are 5% spandex) and Lucky and Me. And this isn’t just for kids – it’s important for all women to make the switch to organic!

Organic Bedding for Kids - Inspired by This

Bonus Change: Baby Monitor – obviously this isn’t bedding related, but monitor systems are omnipresent in kids’ rooms so we thought it was worth mentioning! Studies are also showing the harmful side effects from constant exposure to WiFi radiation. If you use a camera that connects to the monitor screen over WiFi, consider switching to one that doesn’t. WiFi will likely still be present in their room from your computer’s router, but it at least won’t be a strong and direct signal. We like the Infant Optics set.

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The Products That Help This Mom of 4 Thrive (Not Just Survive) https://www.inspiredbythis.com/grow/thrive-being-a-mom-of-four/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thrive-being-a-mom-of-four https://www.inspiredbythis.com/grow/thrive-being-a-mom-of-four/#respond Thu, 02 May 2019 11:00:52 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=143980 Let’s be real, being a mom of four means there is way more surviving than thriving happening. You are balancing so many different schedules: naps, school, activities, doctor appointments, etc. Plus you’re spending most of your waking moments breaking up squabbles and preparing different meals or snacks for picky eaters. Throw in other baby and kid milestones like teething … Continued

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Let’s be real, being a mom of four means there is way more surviving than thriving happening. You are balancing so many different schedules: naps, school, activities, doctor appointments, etc. Plus you’re spending most of your waking moments breaking up squabbles and preparing different meals or snacks for picky eaters. Throw in other baby and kid milestones like teething and potty training and life as you know it is basically over! Yes, while most the time I feel like I’m just surviving, I do have moments of thriving when I think “I got this!”. Those moments give me hope and keep me going! So today, I’m sharing some of the products that contribute to more of those moments and help me thrive as a mom of four.

Being A Mom of Four and Thriving

1. Uppa Stroller Set – I’ve been using Uppa Baby’s vista stroller set and Mesa infant car seat for the past 6 years, ever since my 1st child was born. You guys, I have 3 kids on it at a time while I’m wearing my littlest guy. Between the main seat, 2nd seat add on, and the skateboard I can easily attach whenever I need it, I am covered. The quality of these strollers is unmatched. I also recently got their newest infant car seat made with Merino wool and without fire retardant chemicals, and I love it so much!

2. Boob Nursing Gear – Their tops and bras are an investment for sure, but for the past 2 years I have used them endlessly. Both while I’m pregnant, and for the many days and months of nursing when baby arrives. I mostly love their tops because of their convenient openings for feeding my baby on the go. Plus, they are so cute, so it’s a win-win!

3. Solly Baby Wrap – Hands-free is the best way to navigate a life with kids, and having baby close to my chest as much as possible is a benefit too. I treat myself and get a new solly baby wrap with each pregnancy! I have them stashed in different places so it’s convenient to wrap him up wherever I am. One in the car, one in my diaper bag, one in my mudroom and one in my bedroom.

Being A Mom of Four and Thriving

4. Baby Bump Ball – This ball is a part of my daily routine, from bouncing on it with a fussy baby to sitting on it in my home office while I work. It’s versatile. The 6 little legs keep the ball from rolling out from under you and from rolling all around the dirty floor. They also double as handles making it very easy to carry from room to room, especially when I’m holding a baby in one arm. Of course, they’re made of the highest quality materials, have no harmful chemicals, and are environmentally friendly.

5. Willow Pump – Pumping on the go? What a concept! I’ll say it again, giving yourself another way to be hands-free is such a huge help! I haven’t used it too often since my little guy is struggling with taking a bottle, but I love the convenience being able to pump while I’m doing 99 other things at home. Plus there are just a few parts so you don’t have to juggle cords and big equipment.

6. Soundbub – A. Must. Have. It’s a portable “on the go” white noise type of device that has ocean and rain sounds. I can’t leave my house without it. I have the owl design and have used it now for 2 babies. Worth every penny.

Being A Mom of Four and Thriving

7. Veer Stroller with Car Seat Adapter – This stroller is so game changing for me. When we walk to the park I can have 3 kids in the wagon and then clip on the car seat to the Veer as well. It’s the nicest, most functional, good looking stroller/wagon that is out there. It has been a life saver for me and my husband to get all the kids out of the house to soak up the sun while cruising around the neighborhood. We are so thrilled with it!!

8. Rockermama –  The Rockermama is a must if one of your kids is a baby! It’s a portable and lightweight device that turns any chair into a rocking chair. So when you’re toting around a grumpy baby to dance class, doctors offices, sporting games, even airplanes (!!), etc. you can give him/her the soothing comfort of a rocker.

9. Nuna Toddler Converter Seat – When you have 4 kids in car seats you need something slim and light and easy for your kids to buckle themselves in and out of! I’ve been so happy with this particular car seat. It can be used from pre-k onward with 8 different positions and an adjustable headrest. It will cycle through each of my kids. It’s durable and so easy to wipe off and clean when there are snack spills and potty accidents.

Being A Mom of Four and Thriving

10. Lucy Darling Baby Book – I’ve gotten one for each of my kids and have actually filled them all—can you believe it? Well, I haven’t done my 5-month-old’s book yet but I’m ordering photos for it now. My daughter who is 6 asks to go through her book several times a week before bedtime. I couldn’t be happier with Lucy’s line of baby books. She has really cute hangers too that I’ve passed down from baby to baby and I love them!

Do you have multiple little ones? What products help you thrive on a daily basis?  

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How to Have the Most Productive Day https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/how-to-have-the-most-productive-day-wedding-pr/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-have-the-most-productive-day-wedding-pr https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/how-to-have-the-most-productive-day-wedding-pr/#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2018 11:00:15 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=114161 Often times, minute tasks get the best of us and leave us with a ‘what have I done today’ mentality. Anytime you feel any inkling of stress or anxiety with your busy schedule and endless lists of to-do’s, take a deep breath and reflect on all that you have accomplished so far. If you realize that you … Continued

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Often times, minute tasks get the best of us and leave us with a ‘what have I done today’ mentality. Anytime you feel any inkling of stress or anxiety with your busy schedule and endless lists of to-do’s, take a deep breath and reflect on all that you have accomplished so far. If you realize that you have been checking things off your list one-by-one, that’s great! On the other hand, if you aren’t at the place you want to be then use that as motivation to get moving. These tips can help get you organized in order to have the most productive day.

How to Have the Most Productive Day - Inspired by This

1. Tackle your Inbox

One of my best morning tips is to clear the first hour of your morning of any meetings or calls, so you can sit down and filter through your email. That growing number of unread emails will continue to haunt you the rest of the day. So getting it under control early on will free you up for other projects.

2. Make a Running List

I find that digital to-do lists help me with organizing my tasks for the day. My team and I use Asana which is great for collaboration, assigning tasks under projects, and setting deadlines for ourselves. Another great feature to implement into your busy life is the Notes app on the Iphone. The updated version allows you to create a running check-list and to check off work when it’s done. These 2 applications are great because you can always check your phone to see what you need to get done. This is SO helpful when you’re out of the office or working remotely.

3. Don’t Multitask

I’m guilty of it as well, but busy people are prone to attempting to multitask. However, studies have shown that those who multitask perform worse because they have a harder time organizing their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information. Plus, they are simply slower at switching from one task to another. Stick to one task until it’s over. It may be helpful to snooze your phone or close out of your email to avoid distractions.

4. Treat Yourself

For your own well-being and mental health, reward yourself for all your hard work. Give yourself a mini-break between each task to refresh your mind before moving on to the next. When you’re done with the day/week/month, think about the tasks, presentations and projects you successfully completed and give yourself a pat on the back. You’re on your way to success and you deserve to reward yourself!

Don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed by the long list of things you need to do. Do your best each day by staying organized and focused on your tasks. Don’t forget to celebrate the little victories as well as the big ones!

xo, Leila Lewis, WeddingPR
Reach out about my business consulting program for more tips like these. I can’t wait to connect with you!

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7 Ways to Significantly Improve Your Email Relationships https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/email-etiquette-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=email-etiquette-tips https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/email-etiquette-tips/#comments Mon, 22 Jan 2018 12:00:48 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=81708 Business cards used to be the first impression of an individual and their work. You would go to a networking event and hand out your card. Now, the new first impression is based on your social media posts and the very first email you send to someone. An email can make or break a potential … Continued

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Business cards used to be the first impression of an individual and their work. You would go to a networking event and hand out your card. Now, the new first impression is based on your social media posts and the very first email you send to someone. An email can make or break a potential opportunity for you, so send and respond to them wisely!

Follow these 7 ’email etiquette’ rules and you will have a higher chance at getting the response that you want! Plus, you will significantly improve your email relationships…

1.  Say My name, Say my name

Always address the person you are emailing by name. I get multiple emails a day from media, pr firms, intern applicants that address me with just a Hi- or even Sir/Madame. Really? Look it up- I’m a female! If you can’t find the name, then don’t email.

2. Auto Replies can do more damage then good

Most people have their auto replies on more than not. People will start to think that you aren’t in business. There’s a time and place for an auto-reply- when you’re traveling out of the country, on your honeymoon, or absolutely not reachable for the day. No need to have an auto-reply always on stating you’ll be in touch soon. You can write them back yourself to say you are out but will be in touch if you’re worried about timing.

3. Punctuation can make or break the opportunity

Nothing is worse than when you receive an email and it feels cold! An email has to relay the sentiment you are trying to get across in order to build a relationship and get what you want most from the recipient. Therefore, period after period after period, after period (you get it) will come off serious. If that is not your intent, think about adding in a few exclamations to change the tone of what you are trying to say and make the recipient feel more comfortable!

4. Keep it Short and Sweet.

Don’t send a long email when you are trying to connect with someone who is probably very busy. They will get overwhelmed by a lot of information, and if they don’t have time they will freeze and just not respond for awhile… which could turn into never!

5. Follow Up

If they don’t respond- give it a week and follow up again. Don’t be afraid to practice the art of “the follow up”.  It’s nice to give others the benefit of the doubt- maybe they never saw the original email, or it went to their junk mail, or they were on vacation and are just catching up.

6. Don’t take your sweet time to respond

If you don’t get back to someone within 48 hours it can send the message that their email isn’t important! Carve out an hour of your day to maintain incoming emails. If an email requires a lengthy response that you don’t have time for, write the person back to let them know you’ve received their email and will be in touch. An overdue email response can be a lost opportunity! The sender loses trust which can compromise the relationship.

7. If it’s private don’t put it in an email

You never know who will see that email! It can accidentally be sent to someone else and you would never want something documented that could come back to bite you down the road.

We all have different approaches to how we communicate and correspond with others. Be cognizant of how your email is potentially being received and how and when you choose to respond!

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How to Be A Good Boss https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/how-to-be-a-good-boss/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-be-a-good-boss https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/how-to-be-a-good-boss/#comments Mon, 16 Oct 2017 11:00:55 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=105376 For all of us girl bosses out there who are mentoring employees, assistants, or interns, there is a code we all should be following to be a good boss. In the past 15 years since I started working in the real world and as owner and boss lady at Be Inspired PR, I’ve learned a thing or … Continued

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For all of us girl bosses out there who are mentoring employees, assistants, or interns, there is a code we all should be following to be a good boss. In the past 15 years since I started working in the real world and as owner and boss lady at Be Inspired PR, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to treat people, but most important how to NOT treat people.

You need to earn respect, but there is a way to do so that allows you to be good to people who work for you and alongside you. Here are 4 tips for how to be a good boss.

How to be a Good Boss - Inspired by This
1. Lead by Example

Showing your employees what to do and how to do it is enforced when you follow a similar code of conduct. Do you expect them to reply to emails a certain way and in a timely manner, then you also should be doing the same. Do you want them to care about their job? Then you need to care about yours. Teaching one philosophy and doing another is counter productive. The team you lead won’t take their do’s and don’ts seriously if you don’t. Are you all over the place and not as organized as you should be? Don’t be shocked when certain members of your team are doing the same. It’s time to get it together!

2. Be Kind, during good times and in bad

You can be effective as a leader by keeping your rules and standards with staff even while being kind to them. When the moment strikes and you have to reprimand for a job not so well done, do so in a constructive way. Channel your frustration or disappointment into a learning experience for both you and your mentoree. The last thing you want is someone who is bitter because you spoke to them (or emailed them) with a demeaning tone.

3. Create Boundaries

Sometimes we are friends with our staff. I am too and I know they are reading this article now so I am saying “hi” to all of them. They know I love them, but they also know that I expect them to do their job efficiently and to be timely. If they aren’t on time, I tell them. If they make a mistake, I tell them. Sometimes they screw up bad. It happens, but we have to take part of the blame too. We are the teachers and if we aren’t helping them cross their t’s and dot their i’s then its not all their fault. You need to create boundaries and set goals. But you can refer to the tip above while doing so and still be effective.

4. Reward Success
Did someone do something right on your team? Amazing… but did you tell them? Encourage and support them when they outperform. Putting together incentive programs will motivate them to continue to strive for excellence. Who doesn’t want that?


What do you think makes a good boss? 

xo, Leila, Wedding PR
Leila is owner and founder of wedding and lifestyle focused PR firm Be Inspired PR. Read more of her career tips and advice here!

 

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5 Secrets To Landing Your Dream Internship https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/how-to-land-your-dream-internship/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-land-your-dream-internship https://www.inspiredbythis.com/business/how-to-land-your-dream-internship/#comments Mon, 21 Aug 2017 11:00:54 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=92397 With fall semesters on the horizon, now is the perfect time to land an internship. So I’d thought I would share some tips to help you get there! I love working with students ,and after reviewing hundreds of resumes from college applicants and recent grads, I know exactly what I’m looking for in an intern. Internships can be … Continued

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With fall semesters on the horizon, now is the perfect time to land an internship. So I’d thought I would share some tips to help you get there! I love working with students ,and after reviewing hundreds of resumes from college applicants and recent grads, I know exactly what I’m looking for in an intern. Internships can be invaluable, especially while you’re in school. Landing a legit internship means you are gaining credible experience for your real life job opportunity down the road. But how do you get the chance to work at your dream job? These are my 5 secrets to landing the internship you’ve always wanted:

1) Your first email is everything

After searching for an email address on the company website you think you’ve hit the jackpot when you land on “contact@yourdreamjob.com.” However, do you know who to address when you send the email? You should. Knowing who you are wanting to work for, addressing them by name, and showing that you have followed the company by referencing specifics will make your email stand out.

2) What Can you do for them

Make it your job to know everything you can possibly know about the company you want to work for. What do they do and who are their clients? Make it clear that if you are given the opportunity to interview that you have done your homework and that you can bring value. Think to yourself “what can I do for them” and then make it known.

3) Be Social but Not Too Social

Potential employers are going to scour your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest feeds. What will they find? Pictures of you at spring break with your boyfriend? OR a behind the scenes look into the life of an applicant who really stands out. Someone who has style, grace, and knows how to consistently post on social media with class.

Remember that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but what happens on social media stays on the internet forever. This is a chance for you to make yourself look good before a potential employer even reads your resume.

4) The Interview

There can be a whole other post on how to interview for your dream job, but in the meantime keep this in mind: Dress to impress. This means more than just “put on a suit and brush your hair.” Do your homework and understand the corporate culture. Don’t come in over dressed or too casual. Show up early, always bring a copy of your resume, and dress the part.

5) Going the extra mile

Leave something behind. Let them remember you. Over the years I’ve seen flowers, custom made binders, DIY inspiration boards, a cup of coffee etc.. You get the point. What you choose to leave behind is up to you but make sure you do something to leave your mark.

For more tips like these and to learn how to craft the perfect resume and land the job of your dreams reach out to work with me. Can’t wait to connect with you! XO, Leila

 

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My Boy’s Surf’s Up Themed Nursery https://www.inspiredbythis.com/grow/boys-surfs-up-themed-nursery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boys-surfs-up-themed-nursery https://www.inspiredbythis.com/grow/boys-surfs-up-themed-nursery/#comments Wed, 16 Aug 2017 13:00:29 +0000 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=126435 Now that you’ve seen my boy’s outdoorsy playroom & bedroom and my daughter’s pink pom pom bedroom, it’s time to reveal my baby’s room! I had so much fun with this room and couldn’t wait for you all to see the adorable Surf’s Up themed nursery! I wanted to pay homage to where we used … Continued

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Now that you’ve seen my boy’s outdoorsy playroom & bedroom and my daughter’s pink pom pom bedroom, it’s time to reveal my baby’s room! I had so much fun with this room and couldn’t wait for you all to see the adorable Surf’s Up themed nursery!

I wanted to pay homage to where we used to live in the South Bay area of L.A. and Manhattan Beach. The inspiration for this room came from 3 prints you see hanging on the wall where the crib is, all captured by friends and co-workers. And to make it all come to life I used Target’s Cloud Island Collection

The crib and matching changing table were some of the first items I picked out thanks to my interior designer Natalie Warady. These nursery staples have such a beachy vibe thanks to the wood elements that I’m obsessed with! Next, when it came to selecting decor, the Sea You Later pillow and Ride the Wave wall hanging were what inspired the colors and accents of the room. Our color palette was made up of sea foam, sky blue, sand, and white.


A few of my other favorites I want to point out include the gray and white striped curtains, the white fluffy rug (perfect for baby to roll around on), and the mint green toy basket and clock. Can you believe that faux plant is from Target too?

I love our beachy baby room and hope that you all do too!

xoxo
Leila

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