Live life the real way

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"Real men wear pink" // @HELLO_MESS #hellomoccs

Today Jonah received a beautiful package from our very favorite moccasin company - @HELLO_MESS. The owner of #hellomoccs has been a very good friend of mine for some time now. To keep it short and sweet, she is quite possibly the most genuine woman + mother I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you, Instagram. 

As I began to open our package, I was completely unsure of the color/style moccasins I would find inside. 

Once open, I was pleasantly surprised to see this beautiful pink pair stacked neatly in front of me. 

I've never been one to keep my son away from "girly things". I feel as children grow & learn, parents should allow them to discover everything this world has to offer. To me, pink is just as much a boy color as it is a girl color. I will proudly put these on my son and take every dirty look I get in public, with a smile on my face. 

Aside from the beautiful color (baby doll), the quality is exceptional, as always. If you're a mocc-a-holic mama like I am, I recommend giving @hello_mess #hellomoccs a try. 

Stay updated with @HELLO_MESS HERE: http://instagram.com/hello_mess

Shop #hellomoccs HERE: http://hellomoccs.bigcartel.com/

Meet Krista + Blake// The faces behind @ELECTRICCOLLECTIVE

We all do it, have done it, or plan on doing it. 

Purchasing clothing from handmade shops on Instagram has quickly become the norm this year. As the interest in baby & toddler fashion continues to grow, us mothers, fathers, friends + family continue to buy. We get to experience beautifully hand-made, well thought out clothing pieces & keep our kiddos dressed from head-to-toe in the hippest, coolest clothes on the market. All wonderful, this I know, but I thought it would be equally as great to get to know the faces BEHIND the Companies that have grown and accomplished so much. With that being said, I'd like to introduce to you all, my newest blog series titled "Masterminds behind the lines" 

+ This blog series will consist of a collection of Q&A's answered by the owner(s) themselves. This month, Rad and Rebellious had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible faces behind @ELECTRICCOLLECTIVE // below are their answers - Enjoy! 

Krista (left), Rowan (middle), Blake (right)

"I'm Krista, half of Electric Collective. My little family includes Blake and our son, Rowan, who will be 1 in August. We live in the suburbs right outside of Nashville, TN where we love to go thrifting, drink coffee, and go to Target a lot.

Q: What urged you to start a business? 

A: There were a lot of reasons, really. To start, I am staying home with Rowan right now so I really wanted to feel like I was contributing financially without sacrificing my time with him. Plus Blake and I have always wanted to open our own business that would allow us to have a creative profession. The concept of Electric Collective has really evolved with our lives, that's what's so great about it to me. 

Q: Where does the name "Electric Collective" stem from?

A: Well, Blake and I work together on all of the designs. It usually starts with me saying, "You know what would be a cool shirt?" And then he magically creates an image. Just kidding, he works really hard on the designs, but it seems like magic to me because I can't draw as effortlessly as he can. 

Q: What keeps you motivated? 

A: Rowan. I want to be an example to him that he can make a career out of something that he loves. I never want him to feel pressured to live a life that doesn't satisfy him. 

Q: Which female leader(s) do you admire most, and why? 

A: I think about Susan Petersen a lot when making business decisions. She's pretty much the perfect example of "making it" with a small, handmade business. 

Q: How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life? 

A: My mom owned her own business for the majority of my life. The concept of a female boss was never anything but normal to me because of that. It also made me more confident in my ability to start this business. Plus, growing up she always encouraged me to have little businesses selling handmade jewlery and things like that. I'm lucky to have such a strong female role model in my life. 

Q: What advice can you offer those seeking to establish their own business? 

A: It's not for everyone. It's really tough and if you aren't in it 110% you will constantly be finding reasons to give it up. I think people really need to know that it's what they want. 

Q: What have the highlights and challenges been during the tenure as a new business owner? 

A: One highlight is definitely seeing customer photos. For us, our product is personal. It's our art. So to see it in other states, other countries, even, it's pretty rewarding. The biggest challenge is managing time, for sure. 

Q: How do you maintain a work/life balance? 

A: Balancing things is sort of a joke. When you're the owner of a small company, you're also the human resources, graphic designer, office cleaning lady, printer repair man, coffee making intern, and you do anything else that happens to need to be done that day. Plus, I'm a stay at home mom. So I make a lot of lists, I drink a lot of decaf coffee, and I just do the best I can. Prioritizing is key. You have to be able to admit that some days you aren't going to be able to do it all and part of being a food business owner is deciding which things can wait until tomorrow. 

Q: How have your previous employment experiences aided your position as the owner of Electric Collective? 

A: In college I worked as an assistant for my art professor. It was my favorite job. I loved doing all of the organizing and office work, but I loved even more working on art projects. I don't know that the experience made me better at what I'm doing now, but it definitely made me want a creative career that much more. 

Q: What are three things you turn to, to help you unwind after a busy day? 

A: Blake, coffee, Portlandia. 

Q: How many cups of coffee do you consume to get through a work day? 

A: Ha, I have been trying to only drink one cup a day because I'm still breastfeeding, but I just got the new Dunkin' Donuts creamer and having it in iced coffee is my new favorite thing. So good. 

Q: Most importantly, what are your hopes for the future of Electric Collective? 

A: My goal is for us to grow to the point where we can no longer operate from our home. I would love to have a brick and mortar store and a studio. I think a short term goal is for us to move from "made to order" to "ready to ship". "

I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Krista & Blake from Electric Collective and hope this post has shed some light on the masterminds behind this line. 

+ Stay updated with Electric Collective here: http://instagram.com/electriccollective

+ Shop Electric Collective here & enter code: "JONAH" for 10% OFF your entire purchase: http://electriccollective.bigcartel.com/

And as always// thank you for visiting the Rad and Rebellious xx

In the eyes of a "mocca-holic"// a review on @LITTLELOOKERSHOP

As many of you know, I'm a mocca-holic in every sense of the word. I have ordered from/and or done reviews on most (if not all) moccasin companies on the market. I pay attention to detail and consider myself to be quite picky when it comes to putting anything on my son, moccasins especially. 

One of the concerns most mothers seem to have about moccasins, is whether or not they're "safe enough" to put on their children. Something I find to be completely understandable. Moccasins are made 100% with leather & leather alone, meaning they don't have a rubber sole as most traditional children shoes do. This in itself can be a tad bit alarming for the mamas with walkers on their hands. But, I will say without a doubt, I have never once had an issue with this concern, since my son's mocc days began over 1 year ago. He walks, he runs, he skips, he jumps & never have I heard him complain. 

I'm so lucky and grateful to have been given the opportunity to review a pair of moccasins from the amazing @LITTLELOOKERSHOP - without hesitance or much thought, I quickly selected her classic moccasins in "seafoam". I cannot stress enough how beautiful the color is ALONE, not to mention the incredible quality of the moccasin itself. Durable, comfortable + well crafted from heel to toe. 

The second I walked through the door, package in hand, Jonah rushed me with excitement. (he's no stranger when it comes to receiving goodies in the mail). He never knows what it is, but he always knows it's for him. I usually cut open the package & leave the rest to him. 

If only you could've seen the excitement on his face when he reached in + pulled out his brand new seafoam moccasins. 

So excited I couldn't get him to stand still long enough to dress him. Undie photoshoot it was! (No complaints here) gotta love baby tushes! 

It goes without saying, that Jonah and I are completely in love with @littlelookershop - if you think these are cute, you might just lose your mind when you see all the other crazy cool goods she has in her shop! 

Priced at $35 each// you just can't beat a mocc deal like this one! 

Shop now: http://littlelookershop.com/classic-moccasins/seafoam-leather

Stay updated here: http://instagram.com/littlelookershop

I hope you guys enjoyed this review & give @LITTLELOOKERSHOP moccasins a try! And as always, thank you for visiting the Rad And Rebellious- xx

Down in the dumps

I feel lately as if I'm stuck in a "blah" mood. Not myself.. 

Down in the dumps.  

If able, I would stay in bed all day and all night without it being a bother to me whatsoever. I'm tired. really, really tired. Easily ticked off + lacking in the motherly department because when I'm sad all I want to do is be A L O N E, which (excuse my language) isn't fucking okay. I'm tired of feeling this way. Do you ever feel upset for what seems like no reason at all? Makes no sense. 

If you've been following my blog, you know firsthand that I'm anything but fake. I don't sugar coat anything & I tell it like it is. The good, the bad + the ugly. Everything I feel is poured out right here, into each post I share. 

This is all a learning experience, really. Here I am mothering and teaching a beautiful two year old the "ways of life" when I, myself still don't know all the ins + outs. Us mothers are all so incredibly lucky to have unconditional support from our babies, our toddlers, our tweens + teens. It seems as if no matter how ugly a day has been, how bad of a mother we felt we were, how snappy & irritated we portrayed to be, our children love us just the same. They easily forgive our dingbat actions & adore us through + through. For that alone, I owe my son the absolute world. I owe him endless trips to the park & cookies for breakfast (maybe), I owe him a handful of new race cars + The Lorax on replay. 

I owe him ME. All of me. Every day, every hour, every minute, every second. He deserves an amazing mama because he is nothing less than amazing, himself. 

For that reason alone, I will fight through the ugly "down in the dumps" days & irritable mood swings. I will fight through it all.. 

For him. 

Tonight before bed, I turned to Jonah and apologized to him for not playing with him as much as I should have. I hugged him and kissed him until he finally said "stop it mama, you're funny." I promised him that tomorrow I would be better & we would do anything he wanted to do. His response, "I want to go to a new park and slide and go fasher (faster) mama." I said yes baby, anything you want! Kissed him goodnight more times than I could count & within minutes he was OUT. Just like that, I was forgiven & all was good again. 

// My alarm is set for 8am. Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow is THE day, to be the mama my sweet boy deserves & nothing less. 

xx

Walk a day in my shoes

It goes without being said, that my life has changed forever. Since being diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic, my simple daily activities have transformed dramatically. I can no longer chomp down that delicious burger I was craving all day without paying the price almost immediately afterwards. Being a diabetic means planning, and lots of it. If you can get that down, you can handle anything diabetes throws your way! 

As I created this post, I couldn't help but laugh, then shake my head, then laugh some more. My "new life" is anything but the life I dreamt of having, but at the end of the day, it's the life I've been given, & thats a lot more than some people can say. Sometimes it's difficult to get across to others, just how crazy my daily routine truly is.. So I kept it simple this time. From the second I wake up, to the second I crawl back into bed at night// 

Walk a day in my shoes.. 

Wake up

Shower

Finger stick, 77

Insulin for breakfast 

Feed Jonah 

Coffee 

Cartoons

Get comfy on the couch

More coffee

Do my makeup

Do my hair (maybe) 

Get dressed (sometimes)

Listen for the reminder

Finger stick, 150

Yes!

Attempt to work out (who am I kidding)

Finger stick, 170

Insulin 

Have a snack

Listen for the reminder 

Finger stick, 183

Eh.. 

Time for lunch

Do I have to eat? 

Ok, I guess I'll eat

Those cookies look good

If it spikes I'll correct it, no biggie

Eat the cookies + hope for the best

Two hours later 

Time to check my sugar 

Finger stick, 265

SHIT!

Correction insulin 

Drink water & wait

I want another snack

Damn those cookies 

Drink more water & wait 

Play with Jonah 

Plan dinner 

Finger stick, 155

I'll take it 

Make dinner, eat dinner 

It's that time again

Finger stick, 120

Put Jonah to sleep 

Answer emails 

Relax & watch some TV

get ready for bed 

Put on my pajamas 

Finger stick, 145 

Crawl into bed

Sleep & repeat the next day 

CRAZY, right!? 

Welcome to my life. My new life. 

Thank you for taking the time to read & as always, thank you for visiting the RadAndRebellious// xx

Summer solstice// floaties, fruit + fun

For the past couple of days Jonah & I have been staying at my mom's house in Fontana, CA. The closest thing we can get to a summer vaca. It's always a good time filled with floaties, fruit + fun. 

Here's a handful of photos I snapped throughout the day (in between snacking, swimming and laying out). I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful summer day as much as we are! And as always, thanks for visiting the RadAndRebellious - xx

Attachment Parenting - A guest post by OVERTHEMOONFORJUDE

I feel honored to have been asked to write about attachment parenting for Rad & Rebellious. Before you read this post, I would like to let you know that I am simply a 19 year old mother to my one and only 15 month old son, Jude. I am currently studying to become a birth doula so my passion and knowledge for attachment parenting comes from research along with personal experience. This is not a post to instruct parents on how to parent. I am simply allowing you to see the parenting style that I am passionate about through my lens. My journey into becoming a mother has been far from picture perfect. But I think we all need to remember that every parent and every parenting style has imperfections. In the end what matters most is that even with our imperfections, we have an amazing perfect connection with our child that no one can take away from us.

 

Attachment parenting is the belief that we must create a “secure attachment” with our children to give them the strength to become strong adults. Although Dr. Sears coined the term “attachment parenting,” the father of attachment theory ispsychoanalyst, John Bowlby. His research showed that our early attachment styles are established through our relationship with our caregiver as an infant. Development and behavior later in life are strongly influenced by experiences from our early childhood. Bowlby stated, "The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals [is] a basic component of human nature."

 

Bowlby’s Characteristics of Attachment

 

1. Proximity Maintenance - This is when the child explores his world while staying close to his caregiver. For example, a toddler may explore into another room but will usually “rubber band” back to be back with his mother within a minute or so.  

2. Safe Haven - The child’s desire to rely on the caregiver he is attached to for comfort when he is afraid, threatened or in danger. For example, after months of being in mama’s warm, dark,and tight womb, the newborn baby cries because he needs comfort after being introduced into a new scary environment.

3. Secure Base - When the attachment figure acts as a base of security from which the child can explore the surrounding environment. For example, the child might ask the mother questions while still trying to learn and sort things out on his own.

4. Separation Distress - This is when the child becomes emotionally upset when separated from the caregiver. For example, you know those times when you have to hold your child while you pee because if you put him down he will scream. I’m sure we’ve all had those moments!

 

Bowlby’s Three Key Propositions

 

First, Bowlby suggested a child is less likely to experience fear when the caregiver responds to his needs which then fosters confidence.

 

Second, during the developmental periods of infancy, childhood, and adolescence, confidence and expectations are formed that tend to remain relatively unchanged for the rest of that person’s life.

 

Finally, he suggested a child will develop the expectation that his caregiver will be responsive to his needs based on the child’s experiences when the caregiver had been responsive to him in the past.

 

The following are different attachment styles theorized by Mary Ainsworth.

1. Secure Attachment.

• These children are able to separate from the parent, although they are very upset, and they are then happy when the parent comes back. When they are scared, they seek comfort from the parent.

• Parents of securely attached children react quickly to their children's needs and are generally more responsive to their children than the parents of insecurely attached children. 

• Studies have shown that securely attached children are more empathetic during the later stages of childhood.

• These children are also described as less disruptive, less aggressive, and more mature than children with ambivalent or avoidant attachment styles.

 

2. Ambivalent Attachment.

• These children are very suspicious of strangers.

• They are very stressed when separated from a parent and do not feel safe even after reunited with a parent.

• Sometimes, the child rejects parent by showing aggression towards him.

• Later in their childhood these kids might be described as clingy and over-dependent.

 

3. Avoidant Attachment.

• These children avoid parents. It is especially noticeable when parent was absent for some time. 

• Children with an avoidant attachment show no preference between a parent and a complete stranger.

 

4. Disorganized-Insecure Attachment.

• Children with this style show a lack of clear attachment behavior.

• Their actions and responses to parents are often a mix of behaviors, including avoidance or resistance.

• These children are described as displaying dazed behavior, sometimes seeming either confused or apprehensive in the presence of a parent.

 

 

Now lets talks about the famous American pediatrician who coined the term “attachment parenting” and wrote one of my personal favorite parenting books, The Baby Book. Whenever anyone asks me for parenting advice, well first I laugh because I’m a nineteen year old first time mom who is barely hanging on, but I tell them to readThe Baby Book and The Breastfeeding Book by William and Martha Sears. I would have never gotten through 15 months of breastfeeding {and still going} if I hadn’t read The Breastfeeding Book from front to back. I own The Baby Book hard copy in two versions as well as have it downloaded on my phone so wherever I go I have it. It has been my “go to book” for any dilemma I have had. It explains postpartum adjustments, newborn care, caring for a sick baby, breastfeeding, formula feeding, nutrition for baby, being a working parent while practicing attachment parenting, developmental stages, high needs babies, and he even talks about attachment parenting as an adoptive parent, etc. Basically, for any situation you are in this is the perfect parenting manual. In the very beginning of The Baby Book Dr. Sear’s explains three goals a new parent would want to achieve:

1.1. To know your child.

1.2. To help your child feel right.

1.3. To enjoy parenting.

 

To better achieve those goals, he created the Seven B’s of Attachment Parenting:

 

1. Birth Bonding- Connect with your Baby Early.

“Whenever and however you intend to givebirth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life.” – Ina May Gaskin

Dr. Sear’s empathizes how important it is to educate yourself to better come up with a birthing philosophy with your birth attendant. A traumatic or unnecessary surgical birth can result in a separation after birth which can delay attachment and bonding between baby and mother. I personally had a natural hospital birth with my midwife and a doula as an amazing birth support. I created a birth preference plan after researching the benefits of water birth, moving throughout birth and squatting birth. Unfortunately, I had a few complications that lead to rushing me into a hospital bed so an episiotomy could be performed. I was still able to birth without pain medications or an IV, but the trauma from having so many people rushing in the room for back up and then having Jude taken away right after birth has had an affect on me to this day. I’m so glad I had an attachment parenting lifestyle to help me connect with my tiny human after a not so ideal birth.

 

2. Belief in Your Babies Cries - Read and Respond to your Baby’s Cues

He explains how challenging it is at first to understand what your baby needs when he cries. Through attachment parenting you are better able to read and understand your babies cues and crying. Attachment parents are typically against the cry it out method because they believe babies cry because they have a need that should be met.

 

3. Breastfeed Your Baby

Breastfeeding has amazing health, attachment and bonding benefits for both mama and baby. Mothering hormones called prolactin and oxytocin are released while nurturing your little one. This is a mother’s intuition. Breastfeeding for me has been a lifesaver, literally. As I mentioned before I had struggled bonding with Jude after birth and throughout postpartum because of my intense postpartum mood disorder. Breastfeeding helped us connect and brought us a closeness similar to him still being in my womb. I really struggled with the intensity of the journey into motherhood. I hated even calling myself a mom because I felt so unworthy. The overwhelming amount of love from Jude as I nourished his mind and growing body through breastfeeding connected me in a way no one else could with Jude. Not all mothers struggle with bonding to their babies or even need breastfeeding to bond, but I am so thankful the universe allowed my breastfeeding journey with Jude. I hope to continue nursing Jude until he is ready to stop.

 

4. Babywearing- Carry Your Baby a Lot

There are so many benefits to baby wearing.

• Babies who are worn are happier babies.In a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that babywearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours.

• Babywearing has tons of health benefits. Babies born premature or born with special needs often have a fragile nervous system. Babies who ride in a baby carrier close to their mother become attuned to their mother’s breathing rhythm which can prevent SIDS. Feeling their mother’s breath helps regulate their own breath. When babies are close to their mother’s heart they find comfort in the familiar beating sound from the womb. Movements that mothers make while wearing their baby, like walking, bending, and reaching, stimulate the child’s brain. A blind child cannot learn to walk from seeing and imitating others, but will benefit from babywearing by learning walking rhythms. Babies that have vision are able to learn about walking while watching inside their baby carrier.

• Babywearing helps create a secure attachment and bonding between caregiver and baby. Babies connect with their parent’s voice and heart rhythms while being worn. This is especially beneficial to mothers with postpartum mood disorders who struggle bonding with their baby.

• Babywearing helps a caregiver to successfully read their baby’s cues. Babies are born with attachment like behaviors (APBs) which draw the parent in like a magnet. This helps the parent understand when their baby needs comfort, feeding, diaper change, etc. Fulfilling your baby’s needs promotes a life long trusting relationship between parent and child.

• Babywearing is comfortable and convenient. It is so much easier to carry around a ring sling in your diaper bag  and take it out when you need it, compared to lugging around a huge stroller. In addition, you can breastfeed, run errands, do housework, or even do at home workouts while wearing your baby. Babywearing is an amazing multitasking tool.

 

When I was 13 years old I traveled to Kenya and saw mamas wearing their babies. I knew then that I wanted to incorporate the African tradition of babywearing into my parenting style after I had a baby. Jude was the kind of baby who would literally nurse nonstop so being able to put him in a ring sling so I could walk while nursing was a miracle for me. I was able to nurse while washing and hanging to dry his cloth diapers which I needed to wash regularly because disposable diapers weren’t on our budget. Jude also hated being put down, so I was able to carry more things when I had free hands while wearing Jude. I also don’t have a driver’s license so I was better able to take the bus while wearing Jude rather than having to carry around a huge stroller with me. I just love being able to cuddle and snuggle like a mama kangaroo with her baby.

 

5. Bedding Close to Baby

This is also known as bed-sharing, share sleeping or co-sleeping. This is a tradition used all around the world. Many babies find comfort sleeping close to their mother’s warmth, breath, and heartbeat. Some babies do better when sleeping in their own room while others may prefer sleeping in their own crib in their parent’s room or in bed with their parents. You really have to find what works best for your family. Sleeping with your baby can help prevent SIDS because your breath helps regulate your baby’s breath similar to when babywearing. Studies have shown a baby who stops breathing can start breathing again from feeling their mother’s breathing rhythm. A mother’s strong instinct can also better detect when their baby is in danger when the baby sleeps close to mom. As a single mom, I personally loved co-sleeping because I didn’t have to get out of bed. It was so painful to walk right after Jude was born so being able to have diapers and boobs right there in bed made my life so much easier. The oxytocin and prolactin released while nursing in bed helped Jude and I relax into sleep. In addition, you don’t have to buy an expensive crib because you use your own bed. Jude and I sleep on a mattress on the floor which I felt was safer than a high bed. It’s a Montessori method for the child to sleep close to the ground in a safe room to promote independence. Jude was able to independently crawl off my mattress to find a toy to play with instead of crying for me to get him out of the crib so he can get the toy he wanted in our room. I just love seeing him find independence and confidence to explore through his trust and secure attachment to me.

 

6. Beware of Baby Trainers

When you practice attachment parenting you will become attuned to your child’s cues and needs. I truly believe mothers and fathers know what their child needs best, although others still seem to bombard new parents with tips and tricks that are sometimes far from what the baby needs or wants. I think it’s important to find confidence in your parenting to help you better defend your baby against the baby trainers. Apparently letting babies cry it out, not responding to their cues, getting babies on a schedule, or earning weaning, worked for others and I guess that is great for them. You just need to remind these baby trainers that their children are completely different human beings. You are able to learn your child’s cues to create a secure attachment if you allow nature to take control. Just allow mother nature, your child, and your heart take control and not baby trainers.

 

7. Balance and Boundaries

This is the idea that to be the best mom you can be you need to first take care of your needs. Babies need happy and well rested mothers. It’s like when you get on a plane and they tell you that in an emergency you should put on your oxygen mask and then put a mask on your child. This was definitely the “B” that I threw out the window, yet it’s probably the most important one. As a single mom I wanted to be the best I could be for Jude because I didn’t want him to feel like anything was missing. I didn’t get a break and even when people offered to give me a break I refused. I wanted to do it all because of the guilt I felt being a young and single mom. If it meant not showering for a few weeks or not eating most of the day, I was willing to put Jude before me. Please learn from my mistakes. YOU NEED AND DESERVE A BREAK. Finding balance is so hard, but once you find it parenting becomes much smoother.

 

Being a parent is a wonderful and rewarding journey. Each day is new and full of experiences that no parent can ever be fully prepare for. We can read and research and talk with other parents, and yet as I said earlier, each child is a different human being. Each child should be loved and respected for the unique individual that they are. I feel that attachment parenting has allowed me to bond with my son, to learn how to read his cues, and to help me to respond to his needs and desires in a loving and sensitive way.

Stay connected with Hannah + Jude here: http://instagram.com/overthemoonforjude