REAL TALK REAL MOMS ON TECHNOLOGY

Understanding how to use a computer, tablet and smartphone is imperative these days. You could argue it's a form of literacy. When you think about it from that perspective it doesn't sound as crazy to allow your kids to use devices at young ages. Technology is their world, whereas us parents born in the early 80s can remember technology as being just a part of our world. In this installment of the Real Mom Series we are exploring this idea of introducing technology to your kids, how we do it now and how others do it. 

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Elle and Levi have an iPad that they share and they play games on. There are also iPhone apps that I keep on my phone for them to play. I don't feel guilty at all about it because to me it's not the fact they use a device that is harmful it's the type of content they consume and how much of it they are consuming. So, put away shame for letting your kids watch T.V. and a movie in one day.

There are definitely age appropriate apps and shows, and I think it's up to us parents to use discretion and to watch the shows with our kids so we can understand what they are consuming. We have all of the usual apps like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu and even Disney Jr. and Nick Jr. Together we decide the show they are going to watch, and I make sure the kids either agree or take turns selecting. I am always in the room when they are watching a T.V. show or something on their iPad so I can monitor it. 

I think that's the key. Be proactive as a parent in knowing how they are spending their time, what they are spending it on and how they are being affected by it. If you don't like how they are speaking to you after they watch Paw Patrol, then don't let you kids watch it. 

That said, I've seen a lot of buzz about the kids YouTube app going around on parenting blogs, and I agree that it's an app you don't want your young kids interacting with. There's a lot of strange content on there that Elle would get obsessed with such as the unboxing channels. And we ended up deleting it and she returned to her normal self.

What are your feelings on technology and kids? Are you proactive in being involved in what they watch? 

Read other thoughts from real moms: The LIfe Styled, The Effortless Chic, Design for Mankind, The Fresh Exchange, Natalie Borton, Apartment 34

AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS

Packing lunches has gone to a level that I just can't compete with. From Bento Boxes to making animals out of vegetables, Pinterest has me all kinds of stressed out when I think about what other moms are doing. 

Me, well, I just stick to simple sandwiches, bananas, and juice. And, you know what, that is totally okay because this simple lunch gives my kids the energy and nutrition they need to be healthy and happy, and I have more time to spend with them. 

The same thing goes for snacks in our home. Though I would love to make banana sushi or something really creative for them every day, I just can't fit it in right now. But it's not the lunches that your kids remember when they are grown, it's how much you loved them and the time you spent. Moms, you're doing good just by making sure your kids have healthy food to eat. Minute Maid has been doing a great job on shedding light on parents #doinggood and taking the pressure off of themselves. Check out to see what I wrote for their blog this month, click here.

Photos by Lauren Schumacher. 

REAL TALK WITH REAL MOMS ON CHORES

When I was filling out Elle's application for pre-school it asked, "What chores and responsibilities does your child have at home?" She was three at the time, and I remember thinking to myself, "Are kids even supposed to have chores at three years old?" 

Turns out that I was a little late to the party when it came to instilingl small amounts of independence in her. With Elle being my first and only child for three years, I often would put her clothes on, buckle her seat, put the dishes in the sink for her simply because it was faster and I didn't mind. What I didn't realize is that those small things were things she could do with me, and that allowing her to do them (though it took longer) was a great way to help her prepare for school.

With my second child, Levi, I had an opportunity to learn from that mistake and start introducing a bit more independence early on. As part of the Real Mom Series, I thought I would share the responsibilities and chores Levi and Elle have to give other moms age appropriate ideas of how to incorporate them into their lives.

LEVI - 2 yrs old
- Puts plate in the sink
- Puts dirty laundry in the laundry room
- Helps put toys away

ELLE - 5 yrs old
- Picks out her clothes for school
- Puts on her own clothes and shoes
- Puts dirty clothes in the laundry basket
- Sets her place setting
- Puts dirty dishes in sink
- Brushes her teeth
- Picks up her toys and room
- Stays in bed until 6:30am

We don't have any kind of reward system for doing these things. Of course, verbal appreciation and celebrating how they show independence is involved, but we didn't want to implement a reward system for age appropriate expectations. However, when they go above and beyond what they are expected to do we definitely reward that. 

I'd love to hear other ways you incorporate responsibilities and chores. Please share in the comments, and be sure to check out how these other moms handle responsibilities with their kids: The Effortless Chic, Hey Mama Co., The Life Styled, Design Addict, Design for Mankind, 

Modern Nursery Decor From Walmart

MODERN NURSERY DECOR by alexandraevjen featuring outdoor decor

This post is sponsored by Walmart and contains affiliate links. 

Designing a nursery is like creating a room for a surprise guest and yourself at the same time. Often times I find myself a bit more experimental with decor in a nursery space because you don't have to worry about rooms flowing together and the durability of furniture (minus the crib). I focus on whether the space will be an enjoyable spot for mom and baby to bond and sleep. I partnered with Walmart to share with you a modern nursery design using some of their beautiful and affordable products. 

We bought our crib from Walmart five years ago. It has hosted countless dreams of both our kiddos and provided safety at the same time. If I were to select a new crib for my little ones I would pick this light wood Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib. Paired with this bold blue and white rug creates a beautiful contrast that's gender neutral as well. 

Black and white will never go out of style. It's modern and classic, and this black and white crib bedding by Babyletto, with neutral, functional decor items such as storage baskets, wood blocks, sheepskin pillows and a macrame planter creates a simple and functional space for mom and baby.

Every baby room needs a rocker, and I loved that I saw such an iconic design on Walmart.com. If I saw this adorable sheep sitting in it I definitely would have to take a load off. I use my rocker every day with Levi, and he is two years old next month. I think finding the right chair for your space is a necessity. Walmart has a great selection. 

Grab all of the items below, and be sure to check out Walmart.com for other decor items for your baby.

modern nursery decor from walmart by alexandraevjen featuring rugs

REVIVE & HELPING HANDS

This is a face of pure joy, of sweet dreams, of a safe home, of no worries. This is Henry, the son of my best friend, and a couple days ago he graduated from a toddler bed to a "big boy" bed with a comfy Revive Mattress from Living Spaces. I got to play auntie and give him a mattress, and I get to giveaway two mattresses (one to a blog reader and one to their friend). EEEE!

For Henry, I selected the R2 mattress which has 11.5" foot of foam (gel foam, memory foam, contour foam and orthopedic support). This mattress is different than other ones out there because it has a .5" cooling fabric cover and copper gel foam. That's really important when Arizona nights can be upwards of 90 degrees.

Good sleep is priceless and crucial to growth and development for kids. In fact 10-13 hours of sleep is recommended for 3-5 year olds. If you're you going to spend half of your day in bed it should be a good one, right? I'm so glad I can help Henry have the best sleep of his dreams. I am also excited to spread the news that Living Spaces is helping foster care families and foster children in Arizona have same quality of sleep as Henry. Living Spaces has partnered with Arizona Helping Hands, and from June 26th - July16th, when you purchase a Premium Revive Mattress Set from a Revive Sleep Center in Arizona, a child in foster care will receive a free Revive Twin Mattress and Foundation. How amazing is that?!

Revive mattresses start at $450. You can get the full scoop and choose the right firmness (firm, medium, plush) and the size online. The mattress is shipped straight to your door in a box. I recommend opening up the box once you are in the bedroom and place it on your bed. Even your pets will come running. 

If you're interested in winning your own Revive mattress of your choice, check out the steps below.

• Between 12:01am PT June 26, 2017 and 11:59pm PT July 16, 2017, readers must follow @revivebyls on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/revivebyls and comment on the “Buy one Give One” image posted to the @revivebyls Instagram page on June 26, 2017 by tagging @avestyles and one (1) Instagram friend that they would like to win with. No other comments besides the name tags are required for entry. By entering the giveaway you are agreeing to follow @revivebyls on Instagram for the duration of the Giveaway. 

Alternative Method of Entry (“AMOE”):
Mail your name, phone number, address, and the name of the friend you’d like to win with you to:
Attn: Nikki Partise, Marketing Dept.
Living Spaces
14501 Artesia Blvd.
La Mirada CA 90638

• Eligibility: The Promotion is open only to permanent, legal residents legally residing in the U.S. from June 28-July 16, 2017. Promotional card is eligible for use in store only and cannot be used at livingspaces.com. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Employees of Living Spaces, Alexandra Evjen, and their immediate family members (defined as spouses and biological, adoptive or step-parents, legal guardians, children, siblings, or grandparents, their respective spouses and any dependent under federal income tax law) or household members are not eligible to participate in the Promotion. Void where prohibited by law. All applicable federal, state and local laws apply.

• You can read the full terms and conditions of the contest here:

This post is sponsored by Living Spaces, product was given as payment, Photos by Rennai Hoefer;