Guest Post: "Reigning in the Toy Clutter"

While washing dishes the other night, I smiled when I saw my Aloha surfboard behind the sink, and thought about my friend Taylor - who hosted the class I created said surfboard in. There are multiple people I can say that I've lived in 2 states with thanks to the military, but she is the winner so far with THREE! We met in my senior year of college (2008-2009) at Arizona State University. Her husband (fiancé at the time) decided to join the Navy and I married my Marine that fall. Eventually allowing us to live near each other both in Maryland and Hawaii. Crazy, right? She and I have very similar views on clutter and what gets to stay in our homes. Maybe in the future I'll do a post on how I organized little man's toys and books, but for today - I'm excited for you to read all about Taylor's toy storage solutions for her adorable little girl!

How do you handle the toy clutter?
Share your solutions with us in the comments!
-Tay

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My job as a regional rep for CeCe Caldwell’s Paints takes me around the Northwest and I’m often at my room in Lighthouse Antique Mall but I do most of my marketing work, order fulfillment and DearOlympia.com shipping from home.  My new Enchanted Northwest Soy Candle Line line demands more storage space and space is at a premium.  I refuse to take out a storage locker or cram my garage with unused stuff.  

Quick tangent: after we moved out of our military base housing in Hawaii (read: they decided to go ahead and demolish our house 3 months ahead of schedule), I promised myself that business stuff would no longer take over our living spaces.

 

In Hawaii, we literally had cases of paint lining our bedroom walls.  It’s mentally stressful to me to try to work in an abundance of clutter.  Cramming stuff in and out of shelves makes me irritable because when I have time to work alone, I want to max out that time on work and not on fighting pans and containers and shoving my daughter’s toys in every nook and cranny!

We recently purchased a foreclosure in WA and renovated it.  I didn’t want a huge house, just a livable one.  My philosophy is that you let the house size dictate your stuff, you don’t let your stuff dictate your house size.  

When we finally started to move stuff back into the house, I was like the “none shall pass” character from Monty Python.  Unless I needed to use it in the next two weeks, it didn’t come in!  We donated it or took it to the dump.  That was working well but as all parents know, Christmas can throw you. 

Adair was blessed to receive many gifts but the gifts had nowhere to go.  I decided to use an industrial shelf I already had for her toys downstairs.  I further decided that she would get rid of any toys that we couldn’t nicely fit on that shelving unit or in the tubs beside them.  She does have some shelves in her room for books and her tricycle and slide live outside.

I purchased some fabric and metal storage containers (under $75) from Target and got to work.  Craft supplies went in one container, legos in another, little figurines in another, etc.  When I was done she had some infant type toys that were large and bulky (you know the kind) that didn’t fit on the shelves.  We donated them to Salvation Army and now another child can enjoy them.  

One toy in, another toy out.  That is my policy.  I have had zero regrets so far. Adair is allowed to play with one container at a time which is good because her attention span is so short anyway.  Then we put it back in the container and put it back on the shelf.  I am hoping this puts her on a path of enjoying her stuff but not letting her stuff dictate her happiness or emotional state.

This is a key to my semi-sanity in working from home. The less to put away, the quicker I can put things back in cabinets, wipe down the counter and vacuum the floor. The fewer items we have, the easier it is for my husband and I to tag-team picking up the house because we both know where everything is and where everything goes.

My house is never as clean as I want it and I’m 100% okay with that.  It’s pretty much clutter free, though, not because of my organization skills but my ability to let go of items instead of constantly fretting over where and how to store things.  

~Taylor
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Thrifty Trends: 2016 Top New Trends

Say what... my gold and crystal lighted ceiling fans are back in style? Haha... okay maybe that's a stretch, but we live in a rental that we've already installed laminate floors in, I'm not about to replace light fixtures. But hooray for our circa 2009 IKEA furniture being on-point this year! ;) 

If you complete a project inspired by her post let us know in the comments, if you use Instagram you can also hashtag #thedaringdandelion #freshlybrewedhome #thriftytrends and tag @thedaringdandelion @aubreylouiseb

After you check out this inspiration post, make sure to pop on over to Aubrey's website [A Freshly Brewed Home] for more tips, tricks, and ideas! 

-Tay

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Are you wanting to revamp your home decor a little but have little to no money to spend on extra items?

Well I'm going to try help you by looking at some of the top new trends of 2016 and showing you how to achieve the look inexpensively.

1. Dramatic Color
2. Gold and Copper Accents
3. Scandinavian Design (simple, neutral)
4. Geometric Cement Tiles

There are a lot of new trends that I'm seeing on Pinterest, Houzz, and other design magazine but I'm just going to focus on a few that I see most often.


1. Dramatic color 

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Dramatic color is a favorite trend of mine because my aesthetic tends to be full of dark, bold colors mixed with neutrals. Black is growing in popularity now in kitchen cabinets, furniture and even accent walls! Grey is easily becoming the new "builder grade" neutral and I'm seeing a lot of beautiful jeweled tones in the form of furniture pieces. Just because it's dramatic doesn't mean it needs to be dark if that's not your favorite look. Any use of color is great!! Pantone's Colors of the year are Rose Quartz and Serenity (a soft blue) and those are dramatic in a totally different way.

The easiest (and cheapest) way to use color is in the form of paint...whether it's a wall or painted furniture. You can also incorporate it in accent pillows, blankets, rugs and other small decor pieces.

Paint the inside of your bookshelf a dark or bold color (this is a great idea if you can't paint your walls but still want color in your life).

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Or paint a furniture piece that you've had in your space for a long time. It's crazy how different a coat of paint will make the room look.

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2. Gold and Copper Accents

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The fact that Gold and Copper Accents are coming back is shocking to a lot of people. Most have just changed out their 80's gold fixtures in hopes of updating their house and now they turn around to see a lot of people wanting  them again. I think this accent needs to be done carefully because who knows how long it will last this time. While it can be done beautifully with a certain look, don't go investing too much money in it quite yet. But if you love the look, don't hesitate to jump on board. If you happen to live in an apartment that still has gold, you're in luck ;) Spruce it up with a contrasting dark color on the wall or some natural wood tones.

You can incorporate it with lamps, vases and wall art.
You can also switch out your cabinet knobs/pulls fairly inexpensively which is a great tip even for renters since you can just put the originals back before you move.
(Tip: Go for a more muted gold rather than the super shiny traditional look and geometric shapes and your space will look a lot more eclectic and updated).

This bathroom looks like a simple bathroom with just some basic upgrades...a black frame around the mirror, a dark painted cabinet and a cool gray on the walls. It takes the gold fixtures to another level, making them look glamorous, not basic.

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Make your own gold accents with a little painters tape, gold spray paint and mason jars (or any other jars you have in your recycling bin)

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Or break out the washi tape/decals and create some cool wall accents


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Or create drama by gold brackets for your shelves and then make a washi tape wall using black and white

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3. Scandinavian Design 

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Scandinavian design has been popular for awhile but blogs seem to think that this is a big year for it. I love the simple, clean lines and often neutral tones of it. If you don't know what it looks like, just think of Ikea and that's the aesthetic. Wood tones, neutral colors, clean lines, mix of textures and a non-cluttered look are key ingredients to a Scandinavian room. Good thing for us, Ikea is fairly inexpensive when it comes to most things so if you are looking to update your look to a more Scandinavian one, it's a great place to start.

Bedding is a great place to start for a cleaner, more Scandinavian look. Try for creams, grays and blacks with simple lines or patterns. Some simple bedding can make a traditional room look clean and fresh.

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You can also add some black and white art to your space. Typography and very graphic prints create a clean and simple look.

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Another easy way to add Scandinavian style to your home is to layer textures. Furs, woven and soft textiles look clean on a neutral sofa.

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4. Geometric Concrete Tiles 

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Geometric concrete tiles are things you see in HGTV shows that look super custom, are handcrafted and expensive. And while that usually is true, you can create something similar on a budget. If you have just basic tile, you can add washi tape to create your own designs. It will pull right up when you want to change it up or you need to move.


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You also could get a little crafty and find some inexpensive cement pavers or tiles at the hardware store, a stencil and paint and have some fun creating your own geometric tiles


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Trends are just that...trends.
They come and go often.
Don't feel like you have to follow every single one and don't feel terrible if your favorite aesthetic isn't "in" right now. Be true to you and it's fun to be different!

If you are wanting to change your space and maybe tackle a few of this year's trends, you do not have to spend a lot of money. Be creative with the things you already own and just input a few small changes to start. No need to commit everything to a particular style. The coziest of homes are an eclectic mix of pieces that tell a story of who the people are. And you'd be surprised how much a simple coat of paint, new cabinet hardware or a patterned pillow will make a big difference in your home.


Happy Decorating,
~Aubrey

You can find me here:
My Website
(where I post inspiration photos daily)
and
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No Bake Granola Squares.

Evidently yesterday (January 24th) was National Peanut Butter day! I didn't know it existed but I definitely eat PB on the daily so I didn't miss out on the celebration, haha...

Let me take you back to summer, because if you're like me this is what it looks like outside (minus the snow falling):

As opposed to:

Anyway, my friend B came into town a couple of times and we had this ritual of swinging by The Heritage Amish Bake Shoppe on the way to the beach to stock up on goodies for the day. We would vary our choices, but the one thing we bought EVERY SINGLE TIME were their homemade granola bars... delicious peanut butter bars chock full of seeds, nuts, and reese's pieces! Oh my were they good, especially while sitting with your feet in the sand and sipping on ice cold water.

Ever since then my quest for a "copycat" recipe has ensued. I've tried many and none really fit the bill so I started combining elements from different recipes until I found a combination I was happy with! So now you get to enjoy my hard work!

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 No Bake PB Granola Squares
gluten free, dairy free, with subsitutions (sunbutter) can be nut free 

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup PB (I use chunky) - you can use any nut butter you'd like
•  1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup dark choc chips
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• ...additional add-ins: I sprinkled cinnamon to taste, added a handful of pumpkin seeds and a handful of sunflower seeds*

*You can add whatever you like: alternate nuts, dried fruit, etc. if the batter doesn't hold due to the number of add-ins add a tablespoon of peanut butter/teaspoon of honey until it sticks.

1. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. I used my kitchen-aid.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Poor batter into pan and flatten (mine didn't fill the whole pan so I just focused on one side and made a clean edge).
3. Place in freezer for 45min. Remove from freezer and place parchment paper on a cutting board. Using a knife cut the bar in half, then cut down into squares (I had 16). You can wrap in plastic or parchment paper. I store mine wrapped in plastic, inside a gallon ziplock - in the freezer.

They are very satisfying and perfect for post-workout or a midday energy boost!

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Excuse me while I snack on this and dream about warmer weather... 

-Tay

Family Near & Far.

Next to the Coast Guard the Marine Corps is the smallest military branch... When incidents happen like on Thursday evening (helicopter crash in Hawaii) there is a collective gasp, lurching of hearts, and eventually a huge flood of tears.

The Marine Corps is a family. One we have a love/hate relationship with. We love the history, the service, the pride our spouses have being part of something bigger than themselves. We hate the long hours, separations, dictating of our lives, but mainly... The unknowns.

Will my husband come home today? Most likely yes. Does that stop my heart from dropping anytime I read something like this online? No. Remember- I said the Marine Corps is small. I said we are a family. No matter where we go the probability is high that we will know at least one (usually more) person there. This is no exception... In the unit that crashed we have friends. 

Right now a friend who is probably fielding the "is he okay?" "Have you heard from him?" "Do you know..." "When will they release names?" ...and on and on... An endless drone of questions for her poor heart. She has herself and toddler to take care of, she doesn't need these questions pounding her from every corner.

I didn't ask. I simply prayed. I remember receiving questions often when my husband was deployed. Questions I didn't have answers to. Questions I sometimes didn't want an answer for. 

One of my really good friend's husband is deployed at the moment (he flies on helicopters as well). So we chatted on and off all day. Talking outcomes. Praying for miracles. How they are trained for survival. The proximity of Kauai. The weather. And more. We both still went to bed with tears in our eyes.

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**UPDATED: January 19th, 2016**
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Today my heart is heavy.
Today my eyes are red rimmed & wet.
Today and forever the Marine Corps Family will weep for those precious souls lost.
Rest now heroes. Your job here on earth is done. Now your families wait to see you on that final homecoming day when they too reach heaven and can wrap their arms around you once again.

 

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If you want a tangible and reputable way to help the families of these 12 Marines, please follow this link: http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/463/ 

 

With love and prayer,

-Tay

Sadly... Instead of positivity and encouragement, I have seen rude, bitter, and condescending comments written on news articles and photos posted about this incident. If you feel the need to comment on such things...

I have three things to ask of you:

1. Enough with the conspiracy theories - seriously, just stop!
2. The military isn't leaving Hawaii, we need mutual respect & tolerance (from both sides).
3. No matter your views on the military remember that you are talking about 12 souls - 12 people whose lives are just as important as anyone else (yours included) - and now 12 families with holes in their hearts... Watch your words. Closely.

I know I said three... But please take this to heart as well: Stop being keyboard bullies in general. Stop hiding behind the computer screen. Just stop typing. That old adage of "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all," absolutely applies here (not to mention daily).

Thrifty Trends - Refresh.

Aubrey is back with some good new year decorating/organizing tips!

My husband and I are actually going through the house room-by-room and grabbing any "knick-knacks" (stuff we've picked up, something we got for a "really good deal," gifts, etc.) that we think are just taking up space and stashing them in the linen closet... you'd laugh if you opened it right now. Towels, sheets, and... a decorative lamp, picture frames, figurines, mini wine crates, and more! We've decided if we don't MISS the item after a month, then its time to be gifted, sold, or donated.

We are always looking for good organizational tips, and um... how have I never thought to use contact paper (you'll see in Aubrey's article below!)?

If you complete a project inspired by her post let us know in the comments, if you use Instagram you can also hashtag #thedaringdandelion #freshlybrewedhome #thriftytrends and tag @thedaringdandelion @aubreylouiseb

After you check out this inspiration post, make sure to pop on over to Aubrey's website [A Freshly Brewed Home] for more tips, tricks, and ideas! 

-Tay

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January always seems to be a month to refresh. Coming off the high of the holiday season, and cleaning up all the extra "stuff" (I.e. Decorations) that are cozy and festive but often add clutter to your house can feel like a breath of fresh air. Add in all your New Years resolutions and "words of the year" to focus on and January becomes the month to start over. 

But you don't need just another blog post about how to organize your whole life step by step. While those are all well and good...and usually have amazing photos, visuals and are filled with expensive storage solutions, they tend to be overwhelming. When I see those posts I always say..."well that's super cool! Too bad I can't drill into the wall, or put in a permanent closet, or have the room, or have the money to buy everything at The Container Store!"

So, if you're like me (a young mom on a budget living in a rental where most of our rooms serve more than one purpose...no separate play room here!), or just someone who wants to make a few intentional changes in how they organize, I have just a few inexpensive tricks for you!

I, for one, definitely have a lot of clutter in closets. I like to keep supplies and possible materials (i.e. cardboard, jars and other recycled items) for future projects but that also means I have a lot of random crap that doesn't really fit into an organization plan. For example, here is my "craft closet."

 It's actually where our washer and dryer are supposed to go but we don't have them and we go to my parents every weekend to do laundry. So I decided to take advantage of the space. 

(sorry it's super blurry)

I guess it's not terrible, but this is real life people. And my next project is to clear this out of things that I actually don't need (or don't have a specific craft project in mind) and really make the most of the space. I also keep tools, fabric, craft supplies and other random things downstairs where they're easily accessible if I happen to have a stroke of inspiration.

Anyways, back to the point... here are some organization ideas that do work for me... and they're super cheap!!!

In the photo below, the middle box is actually a diaper box wrapped in contact paper that stores DVDs and some of Emma's books (I like to rotate her toys and books) and the rest of her toys are in the cubbies that are wrapped in the same paper. I got this roll of contact paper from Walmart for $4.50. The other boxes on the right are from IKEA. These particular ones are discontinued but they have a lot of similar, very cute and inexpensive options. Here's a link... IKEA.

 I also keep our important documents, large folders, my textbooks and magazines tucked away in this old trunk. Nothing fancy but it works and I like that I can close the lid since I have an adventurous baby. I got this trunk several years ago at Goodwill. I see similar things at thrift store all the time!

I store little things like paper clips, pins, rubber bands, etc in old baby food jars. And tall things like rulers and paint brushes in mason jars. Paint swatches in one Dollar Spot bin and washi tape in another. (That's another tip...the Dollar spot always has super cute bins, tins and boxes. I only grab them if they're actually $1 though...then it's worth it.)

This is my desk downstairs in our living room and I keep fabric, tools and paint in the white rolling bin to the left (not super pretty but cheap for sure! I did put gray scrapbook paper against the door so that you can't see inside). I also like to use mugs to store small things as well...these particular ones were favorites that broke in our move but still are usable for non-drinking things. I got super lucky with this desk (as in I got it for free from my old boss!!) and I absolutely love all the little cubbies and doors...perfect for my planners, sketchbooks, recipe books, coupons and my address book!

My house is definitely a work in progress and I know I could find a lot better solutions for a lot of the things we own. I think the main thing about organization is to create homes for everything in your house. If it doesn't have a place to go, then either find one, or get rid of it! Simplifying is key. And also, use what you have to create inexpensive storage solutions.

Here is a cool article about getting rid of things (it's not as intense as the trendy The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up...I don't think I could do that, but I do use her method for folding and hanging clothes). Anyways, I like this article because it's practical, logical and you can break it into smaller parts.

200 Things to Throw Away Today

Here are some awesome inspirational women who are waaaay more organized than me and have those beautiful photos and posts to show you how.

This is brilliant!

 iheartorganizing

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Tension rods are awesome and cheap! 

One Good Thing by Jillee

And here is an awesome organization blog talking about more organization blogs :)

Organizing Moms

Cheers to a great year!!! 

~Aubrey

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Guest Post: "The Not So Brilliant Start."

Hey everyone!

Today I have a special treat for you, my friend Danielle is talking about goals! If you remember, I posted my 2016 goals just prior to the new year, I love seeing other perspectives and encouragement when it comes to them! Danielle and I met six years ago in Maryland through our small group at church, since then we have stayed in-touch and even had the opportunity to live near each other for a brief period once again in Hawaii. I can't believe she has 3 kiddos now, when we met she and her husband had just recently gotten married, I love this crazy life of mine.

Now she is super woman: going to school, taking care of said kiddos, and running her own business Legacy Creative Co. which focuses on helping small business owners and busy women utilize their time as efficiently as possible! If you own a small business or are struggling to figure out what career field you should be in contact her for some advice!

I hope you enjoy what she has to say!

Feel free to comment with any questions for her,
-Tay

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I am currently sitting in my car waiting for my college class to start. Not just any college class, but Calculus. In a condensed 3-week, 3-hour-a-day form. Am I crazy? Maybe. Am I scared? Oh yes! Am I driven? Yes!

I have goals for 2016, and this is one. The goal of continuing my college education.

What I was not planning on was my sudden desire to study accounting. I am not a math brain in any way! This goal scares me. Which is probably good because that usually means there is divine intervention taking place.

What about you? 
I know it's the beginning of January, right after New Year's Eve and a lot of people make resolutions.
What are yours? 
...Have you broken them?
...Do you feel like you've failed?

Do you know what? 
I don't make resolutions. 
I make intentional goals!

For me, when I set out with intention to do something, I make progress! One of my favorite quotes is by Lara Casey. She says "progress, not perfection." When I set a goal. I break that into pieces I can achieve. For instance, one goal for this year is to work towards my bachelors degree in Accounting.

I have broken that down into:

• Taking one class at a time. 
• Meeting with my adviser to make sure I am taking the right class at the right time. 

These are measured, tangible goals. On the side, I am looking at what certificates I need to become a certified accountant.


If you are like me, you have probably already been working towards a goal. How are you handling that? What if I told you to sit back, grab a cup of sweet tea or coffee, and think about what little steps you can take to make progress? I think you would enjoy the journey!

I love talking about goals and dreams! This year, I am going to take baby steps towards my new goal of my degree. Will I fail? Gosh, I really hope not! Nevertheless, even if I do, I am taking a step forward. I am gaining knowledge that I can carry with me into the next time I take Calculus.

Now your goal might be more complex, or more simple, but it is yours - claim it! Speak life into it by starting today! Failing would be to have a dream and do nothing. For those of you who are not working toward your dream, start today! There is nothing magical about making a resolution right on January 1. Dreaming is scary, but you can do it! I am scared of Accounting, there are a lot of numbers! I, however, do not want to regret what could have been.

~Danielle

LegacyCreativeCo.com
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Fit Friday! - Alphabet Fit Challenge

Luckily I only have 14 letters in my full name, for those of you with more...
Well... Just wait and see. 

-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag @thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #alphabetfitchallenge

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Happy FIRST Fit Friday post of 2016!!!

I figured this Friday we would have a bit of fun with the workout. This idea actually came from Tay when she tagged me in a different version via Facebook. However, that version had many of our friends doing upwards of 20 minutes worth of wall sits and hundreds of burpees, AH!!!

So I figured I would make a version that is still challenging but something that anyone, at any fitness level could tackle.

Here is how it works each letter in the alphabet below is assigned a workout and amount reps to be completed for that letter. So spell out your FULL name using the chart below, add everything up and that's your workout.

Click image to open, right click and either select "save as" or "print."

Remember your FULL name! That means first, middle(s), and last(s). So two middle names, use them both. Hyphened last name, use both as well!

If you're like Tay, with a shorter name, you can always repeat the circuit.

Here is a sample name:

M - 10 Burpees

A - 5 Squats

R - 10 Tricep Dips
Y - 60sec Forearm Plank

E - 5 Tricep Dips

L - 10 Push Ups

L - 10 Push Ups

E - 5 Tricep Dips

N - 10 Squats

S - 30sec Wall Sit

M - 10 Burpees

I - 60sec Forearm Plank

T - 30sec Forearm Plank

H - 60sec Wall Sit

Take your time tackling the total amount, break it up to make more manageable sets and have some sore, sweaty fun! Have a happy healthy 2016!

~Adrien





Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.