Friday Favorites: July 28, 2017

Hey mamas! I don't know about y'all but I'm ready for the weekend! Not that I have amazing plans or anything like that. In fact, there is only ONE thing on my 'to-do list' this weekend. Say whaaat?


I thought I'd link up with some other mom bloggers and share some of my current favorites.


Ready? Here we go!

• My new planner. I snagged this awesome new planner at Victoria's Secret the other day! It was a free gift with a minimum purchase. There were three varieties to choose from, but the minute I saw the leopard print, there was absolutely ZERO competition. I love me some leopard print! I also love the fact that it's compact, includes some girly stickers, and is good for a whole 18 months!

• Workout inspiration. Hubby has been taking the boys to our local high school for pre-season football conditioning. I joined them the last time, and boy am I glad I did. I ended up walking 9 laps on the track... the equivalent of 2 miles! Ear buds in my ear, my favorite sneakers on, and a view of my favorite boys made those 2 miles feel like a piece of cake. I think I'll start joining them more frequently!

• Homegrown cherry tomatoes. My cherry tomato plant is in full gear! It's quite a bit taller than I am now, and I'm harvesting small handfuls of sweet, ripe tomatoes each and every day! I've been loving adding them to marinated mozzarella balls. There's nothing like a good caprese salad in the Summer!

• I just absolutely love this post I found on Instagram the other day. I saved it to my phone as a gentle reminder for those days that I'm hit with mommy guilt. "Be gentle with yourself. YOU ARE DOING THE BEST YOU CAN."

• Look past the cracks. Do you see how No. 1 has me saved in his phone?? Melted my heart! And reassured me that although he is beginning to go through the craziness that is being a teenager, he still loves his mama!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Sports Photography Basics

Let me first start off by saying that I am by NO means a professional. I'm just a mama who likes taking pictures of her kids... especially when they're playing sports. And seriously, when aren't they playing sports?! In fact, I'm known to post photos on Instagram with the hash tag "Mamarazzi". Ha. True story!


Here are some of my best tips for photographing your athlete:

1. Invest in a good camera. Cell phone cameras just do not compare to DSLRs. Period. I currently shoot with a Canon T3i. If you can invest in a longer range lens, even better. Especially when you're shooting from the stands!
2. Use a fast shutter speed. I wish I could shoot in manual, but I'm just not there yet. I shoot in Sports Mode. It selects the shutter speed, auto focuses, and takes continuous shots. This ensures that you get many pictures of each and every play.
3. Get up close to the action. Obviously not all sports will allow you to do this, but when you can, do it. The closer you are, the more personal the story. Facial expressions are everything!
4. Know the game. Will the players be running towards you, or away from you? Will they switch sides at halftime? Knowing and anticipating what will happen next are crucial.
5. Photograph the entire story. Don't forget to snap pictures of them warming up, taking a water break, tying their shoes, high fiving their teammates after a great play, walking off the field or court post victory (or loss!). Photographing the fans is also something that I like to do. Their faces tell some of the best stories!
6. Take a ton of pictures. Hundreds, heck, even thousands. The more the better! This is probably my number one tip... especially for amateurs like myself. You're bound to get at least one amazing shot.
7. Practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Just shoot, shoot, shoot. Your player (and their team!) will thank you later. I promise!

I hope you found these tips helpful.

Click away, mamas. Get your mamarazzi on!






*** Click HERE for my tips on taking the perfect team pic!

AAU National Championship: A Look Through My Camera Lens

Four days and eight games later, and No. 1 and his basketball team are the AAU National Championship Classic Bracket runners-up!!! I couldn't be prouder of this group of boys. They started out rocky during pool play, but came back strong and ready for bracket play...where it really mattered!


Here is a little peek of the tournament through the eyes of my camera:

And every now and then I'll put down my real camera and take iPhone selfies...

especially when I'm sporting a new, blingy shirt! Isn't it CUTE, mamas?

"Some people want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Others make it happen."-  Michael Jordan.

WAY TO GO, STARS!!!

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Football Player Essentials

We're almost halfway through July, which can only mean one thing... FOOTBALL IS COMING!!! Whether you're brand new to tackle football or your off season was so long that you need a refresher course, this post is for you!

Here is a list of what Coach Hubby and I are always sure that our boys have prior to the season kicking off:

• Equipment. Helmet, shoulder pads, pants (ours come with the built-in pads). Most clubs will provide these for you. This is the stuff that makes tackle, tackle.
• Chin strap. Your team will most likely provide this for you as well. No. 1 ended up purchasing this one with his own money this year, and has remarked about how comfortable it is.
• Padded compression shirt. My boys aren't very big. So, I'll take all the added protection I can get! These shirts have extra pads (shoulders, ribs, back) and are worn underneath their jerseys.
• Compression pants or shorts. My boys use these in place of underwear. They are more comfortable and help to keep them cool and dry.
• Cleats. They come in a variety of styles and colors, including low, mid, and high tops.  No. 1 prefers high tops while No. 2 prefers mid-rise. It's all a matter of personal preference.
• Mouth guard. This is a must! Your player won't even be allowed to play without one. In fact, they can cause their team a penalty if they don't have it in their mouth during the game! I would suggest keeping a back up at all times in case they lose it- or chew it to shreds. (Don't ask, just believe me! I've seen all kinds of things over the last 5 seasons). If your player has braces, be sure to get them one specifically designed for orthodontic work!
• Water bottle. While some coaches will bring water for the team, not all will. I like to be prepared- just in case. During the warmer months, I'll freeze their bottles overnight so that they will be nice and cool on the field.

I've also included a few optional items. They are by no means necessary, but my boys (and many of their teammates!) like to have them:

• Visor. Wear it for looks, wear it for keeping opponents fingers out of your eyes. Our league only allows for clear ones. Be sure to check with yours prior to purchasing a tinted one.
• Gloves. No. 1 plays quarterback so he chooses to wear only one on his non-throwing hand. No. 2 wears his whenever he remembers. Ha!
• Back plate. Another added layer of protection. They are designed to help protect their backs, especially for those players running the ball.

Writing this post definitely made me that much more excited for the upcoming season! I'm looking forward to being back in my happy place.


Did I miss anything? Feel free to share your football player's essentials in the comments below!

Team Mama Idea: Photo Book Gift For Players

One of my all-time favorite football mama/son duos is moving. Both her and her husband are in the Army and have orders to head all the way across the country. Saying that I will miss them is definitely an understatement.


Our boys have been on the same team for the past 3 seasons. Season 1 ended with a run in the playoffs, season 2 with a trip to the championship, and season 3 with a championship victory! Since day one, she was always someone I could count on. Whether it was for transport, game day camera duty, help with tailgates or snacks, she was always there.


I wanted to give them a little something not only as a token of my appreciation, but also to preserve a few of the amazing memories that we made and shared together.


After some thought, I decided to go the photo book route. I skimmed through hundreds of photos from all 3 seasons and chose my favorite 24. Let me tell you, that was no easy task! I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little teary eyed doing so.

The book arrived in a little less than a week, and I couldn't have been happier with the finished product! It turned out even better than expected.

I can't wait to surprise them with it!

We will miss you dearly, Nicole and Gabe!


"Do not cry because it is over, smile because it happened". Until next time!




*** Sports Mama Tip: This would also make a great end of season gift for the team and/or coach(es). You are the author. The possibilities are endless!

Easy, DIY Father's Day Gift Idea

With Father's Day being just a few days away, I wanted to share this easy and inexpensive, DIY gift idea with you all.


All dads like beer, right? I mean, let's be honest. Kids will drive you to drinking sometimes! It's inevitable. So, why not give them a gift they're sure to drink love...BEER, made extra special with personalized Father's Day labels!

Here's all you need:

• 6 pack of dad's favorite beer
• White, printer labels (I used Avery no. 6878)

You can be as creative as you'd like when designing your labels. You could even have your child make them by hand, for even more of a personalized touch. Or, if you'd like to use mine, click HERE.

No need to waste time attempting to remove the original labels. I simply stuck mine right on top. They are the perfect fit!

That's it! An easy, thoughtful, inexpensive Father's Day gift that dad is sure to think is absolutely brewtiful!

After all, it's 5 o'clock somewhere right?


Happy (early) Father's Day!

Sports Mama Tip: My Go-To Sites & Apps

I rely on several websites and iPhone apps to help me make it through the season, especially when I'm Team Mama. Here are a list of the ones that I just cannot live without:

• TEAMSNAP- This has been my go-to website for managing teams for the past several years. There are paid upgrades, as well as a standard free version. Basically, it's your own personal webpage for your team. With this one site only, I am able to add our roster (including contact info for players, coaches, and parents), our practice and game schedules, track a player's availability, upload videos and photos, create a snack sign-up list, send messages (emails, texts, and IMs), track our win/loss record, and much more. There also have an app that you can download onto your smart phone.
• SIGNUPGENIUS- It's name speaks for itself. It's a free website that allows you to "say goodbye to reply-all emails and paper sign-up sheets". I use it to create all different types of sign-ups including for snacks, team tailgates, and end of season celebrations. It's quick, easy, and effective.
• FACEBOOK- You know what it is, I know what it is. We all know what it is! I like to use the "page" feature to set up a team page. It allows me to share info including photos and videos to help extended family and friends stay up to day with our team. Just remember not to post any information you wouldn't want to potentially be shared with strangers.
• MAPQUEST- Because I simply have no sense of direction. Embarrassing, but true. I use this app to get to just about every game...except for home games, of course. Ha!
• PINTEREST- Pinterest is my favorite site/app ever! Not only for sports related ideas, but for any other possible idea you could think of. Tired of the same old boring post-game snacks? Go to Pinterest! No clue what to give your child's coach at the end of the season? Go to Pinterest! Need some team spirit ideas? Go to Pinterest! I promise you will not be disappointed!
• ETSY- I like to think that I'm a DIYer, but let's face it. Sometimes a sports mama needs a little help! Etsy describes itself as a "world of vintage and handmade goods".  One of my favorite things to use it for is to purchase unique items including coaches gifts and spirit wear.

Have any go-to sites that you simply can't live without? Please feel free to share them below!

*** Update 7/6/18- It's been a little over a year since I originally wrote this blog post, and I have a couple of new go-to sites/apps that I just have to share with your all!

• Tourney Machine- The one stop shop site/app for keeping up with all things AAU Basketball. It allows me to view schedules, standings, brackets, AND results. The results are entered almost instantly, which is perfect for those games that I can't make it to because it's impossible for me to be in two places at once. And best of all, it's free!
• Waze- I know, I know. I'm late to the party. Coach Hubby has raved about Waze for sometime now, but I'm just now getting on board. I still use my MapQuest, but I do really enjoy the "non-directions" portion that they offer (i.e. real-time alerts regarding accidents, road hazards, and of course, police!). So helpful! And again, it's free!

In the words of one of my Sports Mama friends, Beth, "Sports Mamas gotta stick together and share the resources." Are you using and loving any apps that I missed? Comment down below or share them in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!