It's the turn of another decade, I'm 36 years old, and the more time that goes by, the more urgent it feels to compile a list of valuable information to pass down to my kids, that they can pass down to their kids, and so on.

In this life, I've had a child in every decade {16 years old, 22 years old and 31 years old). I've been poor and I've been well off. I didn't go to college, but built a successful business and went on to build 3 more. I've experienced death of loved ones. I've experienced depression, and I've experienced tremendous happiness. I feel like I'm at a good place to offer up some good old fashioned words of wisdom, so here goes!

1.) Don't quit one job until you have another lined up.

2.) Take lots of pictures. I mean, a TON.

​3.) Don't waste a single second of your life worrying about what other people think of you.

4.) Don't follow the trends. Set them.

5.) Your "check engine oil" light isn't like your gasoline light. {Ask me how I know... RIP, 1996 Geo Metro.}

6.) Never sacrifice your financial independence for anyone. Ever.

7.) Be kind, BUT never EVER let people walk all over you.

​8.) Rid your life of toxic people the moment you discover they're toxic.

9.) Failure is a part of life. It's the only way to determine success. Kind of like, no rainbows without rain, ya know? Learn from your mistakes and use them as building blocks to make you better.

10.) No matter how alone you feel, you never will be. I will always be with you. I mean that. I will always find a way.

11.) Don't wish your childhood away. 

12.) Stand up for what is right and stick up for people being wronged.

13.) Be the bigger person.

14.) School doesn't always make you smart. Education does. Never stop educating yourself no matter where you choose to do so.

15.) When baking, if a recipe calls to add the eggs separately, do it. There IS a reason.

16.) Learn a craft. You need to know how to do or how to make something. Always have something to offer. {Thank you, Mrs. Meyer (sp?), my 7th grade Home Ec teacher at Rogers Middle School in Affton, for teaching me to sew. Not only does it earn me a living, it is therapeutic.}

17.) Trust your gut. I'm telling you right now, it will not lie to you.

18.) College isn't everything. Loving what you're doing IS. There are very few places of employment that won't require EXPERIENCE. If you take the college route, try to obtain part time employment in the field you are in school for so you have the experience and education required to start your career immediately upon graduation.

19.) The saying "actions speak louder than words" has been around for ages for a reason. Words are just words. We say words out of emotion, things we may never really mean, it's in your actions that will show who you really are.

20.) Always support your small, local businesses first.

21.) You can tell a lot about someone by the way they treat you when you have money vs. when you don't. Pay attention.

22.) Forgive. Forgiveness is important, not for them, but for you. Being honest, though you may be able to forgive {maybe}, you will never {ever} forget what someone has done to you. Keep that in mind when going further in your relationships in life. {Because, actions...}

23.) Use the microwave as little as possible.

24.) Honesty is most definitely the best policy even if it doesn't seem like it at the moment. One lie leads to another and betrayal is hard to get over. We all make mistakes in life. Come clean and move on. Anyone worth being in your life will understand.

25.) If you are going to be "in" something, be ALL in. Whether it's relationships or jobs,  put your all in it or get out of it.

26.) Self care isn't a luxury. It's mandatory to be a successful human.

​27.) Having good manners is important.

28.) You will determine how people treat you by what you tolerate.

29.) Nothing is permanent. Nothing. Don't be afraid to take risks or to leave a town. You can come back from anything. All the magic in life occurs outside of your comfort zone.

30.) Respect and communication are THE key components of a successful relationship. Period.

31.) Learn to love yourself NOW. All the great and not so great things all make you, YOU, and you are amazing. It is imperative you recognize this.

​32.) Debt sucks. Always have a rainy day fund. You never know when you're going to need new wheels, lose a job, or break a limb. A good rule of thumb is to act like 20% of your paycheck doesn't exist and immediately transfer it to an account you won't use unless it's an emergency.

33.) Don't ever be afraid to stick up for yourself and I don't care what that means you'll lose in the end, because at least you'll have your dignity.

34.) There are friends, then there are FRIENDS, ya dig? Invest in FRIENDS. Nurture them. They are your village, and we all need a village.

35.) You only have one body in this life. Do right by it. Give it, bare minimum, 30 minutes a day of exercise. You will never regret it.

36.) Do not use food for comfort. While I'm at it on this one, also be aware of the food you are putting in your body. Some foods do nothing for you, some foods destroy your body and some foods heal and nourish your body. Know the difference.

37.) Set boundaries and adhere to them.

38.) You are in an era of technology where your answer to any question is always just a click away on a device you carry around ALL day long. Use your smartphone to make you smart.

39.) Be grateful. Everyday, be grateful. This world is an amazing place. If nothing else, be glad for each day you are here to be a part of it.

40.) Travel. 

41.) The people most worth keeping are the ones that loved you when you weren't always the most lovable.

​42.) A good friend will tell you the TRUTH, not just what you want to hear.

43.) Often times no one will notice what you do for them until you stop doing it. Keep doing it anyway.

44.) Never let the things you want in life make you forget what you already have.

45.) Lend a helping hand.

46.) Be relentless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

47.) Laugh a lot.

48.) When {if} you have children, make sure you are ready for them. It isn't fair and it isn't their job to have to grow up with you. {I love you, Hunter, and if you read this, I'm sorry.}

​49.) Live simply, it's less confusing and far more gratifying.

50.) Hold the door for the person behind you.

51.) You are here for a reason. You were created for a reason. No matter how bad life gets, remember that.

52.) Love your mother despite her flaws. You grew inside her. She carried you {in more ways than one}. She brought you into this world. I can guarantee you, every hard time you go through, she's going through it with you. When life is good, she's celebrating with you. Everything she does, she does it with you in mind.

53.) Only surround yourself with people that know your worth.

54.) Learn from your parents mistakes, don't repeat them.

55.) Everything WILL fall into place. It may not be in YOUR timing, but it always will.

56.) Never stay with someone that you have to beg to hang out with you.

57.) To my daughter: Under no circumstance is it ok for a man to raise his hand to you. To my son: It is never ok to raise your hand to a woman.

58.) Always keep a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle, at least.

59.) It's ok to change your mind.

60.) The kid sitting alone in the cafeteria - sit with them.

61.) Don't do drugs. Ever. Seriously, just don't. They will ruin your life if they don't kill you first.

62.) Don't eat yellow snow.

​63.) Tip your server.

64.) Return your shopping cart.

 65.) It's ok to say "no".

66.) Everything you do, do it with love, even when you've been wronged.

67.) Have patience.

68.) Don't judge people off of their political affiliation. It may be tempting, but don't. There are great people on all sides and it's a shame missing out on good people because of blanket judgements.

69.) Never ask a woman, "When are you due?", unless  you are a thousand percent positive she is pregnant.

70.) When {if} you have children, let them sleep with you if you want to.

71.) Life is short. Eat the cake. Just not too much, because -- health.

72.) If you're not going to wash your dishes right away, at least let them soak. Scrubbing sucks.

73.) Form is important. It's better to be able to do 5 pushups right than 20 wrong.

74.) Cook your own food as often as possible. It's healthier. It's satisfying. It is relaxing.

​75.) Never make permanent decisions in moments of temporary anger.

​

Love,
​Liv

​I'm dying to know, what would YOU add to this list? Tell me in the comments below!

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With the holidays coming up, I felt it only appropriate to make a gift guide for the woman who is always thinking of everyone else -- mom.

With the minimalist movement underway and everyone searching for ways to declutter their lives I decided to make this gift guide with only the most meaningful pieces that mom will love and USE with a splash of gag gifts {for fun}.

This gift guide for mom is filled with nothing but the most unique gift ideas for every kind of mom and every budget. Whether you're shopping for a new mom, mom to be, mom of older children, and even animal moms, we have the perfect gifts for moms of all kinds!

Don't forget to pin this post on Pinterest for later!

I can obviously find a ton of amazing mom shirts at Blue November, but my favorite, by far, is the MOM Maker Of Memories™ collection. To me, this encompasses everything that is a mother. We are always busy trying to make those memories. Me below enjoying my ultra comfy sweatshirt you can get yours on Etsy HERE.

If you're not about the sweatshirts, have no fear, this sweet design is also available in coffee mugs, trucker hats and t-shirts (like the one below) HERE.

Turn Grandma or Mom's recipe into a treasured heirloom with this personalized laser engraved cutting board! How unique is this?! Shop it on Etsy HERE.

As a mom of 3, I know all too well the struggle of having to hoard your ice cream, so have no fear now, mama. There's a reason this Mom's Ice Cream spoon is a bestseller on Etsy. It's because far too many mom's out there are fighting the same battle. Don't worry, this spoon will mark your territory. Check it out HERE.

This is marketed as a "new mama gift box", but for real, my youngest is 5, my oldest is 20, and I still feel like I need this now. I'm still tired & I still need all the coffee. All of your mom friends will love you. Grab this gift box on Etsy HERE.

Obsessed! I'm completely in love with these custom bracelets from The Salty Hut on Etsy. I personally want one with my kids names and another one with Panama City Beach coordinates! Not only are these a perfect gift for mom, they are perfect for women for Christmas, Mother's Day, birthdays or just because. Go customize yours HERE.

Truth be told, I've been in love with this Etsy shop, merriweathercouncil, since I first found Etsy back in 2012. These hand embroidered initial necklaces are so unique. All letters are hand drawn, then hand stitched, and 100% made in the USA from start to finish, which is rare this day and age. Any woman would love to have one of these. Check them out HERE.

I have literally not seen anything like this personalized family puzzle ornament up until now, and I'm in love with it! Find it on Etsy HERE.

I originally found CASignDesign on Instagram . I'm so in love with their signs. I'm also the biggest sucker for anything personalized, especially if it's personalized with someone's handwriting, which is why I chose this personalized handwritten sign on Etsy. Go customize yours HERE.

A good card is always a good idea. I don't know about you, but I save all the great things my kids make (or buy) me, so a good card never goes to waste. I'm particularly fond of this "Mom, you're the baddest bitch I know." card because, well, it suits me. LOL. Get it HERE.

Every mama loves a good sweatshirt to snuggle up in {it's me. I'm every mama}. People rave about the simplicity of this design and the ultra cozy fleece lining from Blue November. It's also available as a coffee mug, hat and t shirt, which is shouting "gift set" to me, which I'll link here as well. Get the sweatshirt HERE, the t-shirt HERE, the coffee mug HERE and the trucker hat HERE.

I love this "I Love You, Mom." soundwave art for so many reasons. One being that it is a digital download, so no shipping necessary and perfect if you're a total last minute person {like I am} since you'll receive it shortly after you purchase it. Grab one HERE.

They whine, I wine, we wine. (LOL) Well, if this isn't absolutely perfect. I'll take the "Best Mom Ever", please! You can actually customize these with any wording you want! Get your engraved bottle opener HERE.

Awe! I hope I never have to know what it feels like to be states away from my daughter, but if I do, we'll definitely have one of these long distance world maps. Check it out at KeepsakeMaps on Etsy HERE.

If you're shopping for a dog mom, or any animal mom for that matter, these custom pillows of your animal lover and her favorite pet make for the greatest keepsakes. Customize yours HERE.

If you're anything like me, saving all of your child's "art" can be cringeworthy. You know, you go to the trash can to clean out your child's daily kindergarten folder and just can't decide which piece of their work is the best and your mom guilt consumes you, so you keep. it. all. I feel like turning your child's really awesome pieces, especially their milestones {first time they write their name, etc.} into artwork minimizes that guilt because their artwork is displayed in your home where they can see it everyday, instead of tucked away in a bin that they will more than likely never look at. I stumbled upon this sweet handwriting sign and added it to my cart for when Hawkins writes his name for the first time. Grab your favorite piece of art from your child and head HERE to customize your wall art.

Literally, I'm cracking up. Like, just for fun - everyone needs these. Seriously though, I'm adding these to the list of gag gifts I'm getting for my kids. These face socks are way too funny and I'll bet your mama will LOVE them! Customize your pair(s) HERE.

Not the subtle type? Maybe you want to go big or go home and get her this custom face shirt instead or in addition to the socks?! Get this shirt HERE.

I love really unique jewelry. I love pieces that say something. That make a statement. That's why I love this Two Peas In A Pod mother daughter necklace set. Check it out HERE.

You musn't ever forget to pamper an expecting mama. It is exhausting growing another human being. I saw this eye mask and was like, "Yes!!!". Go grab this Napping For Two eye mask HERE.

When I thought I'd seen it all, then this pops up on my screen! Custom puzzles? Yes, please! So, even though this particular listing is for a mom puzzle, ForeverWeddingCrafts on Etsy has them available for all types of occasions... *runs to purchase 3 for my kids for Christmas* ;)  Get this puzzle HERE. 

Moms can't have too many tumblers. We need these to store our mom fuel that keeps us going day in and day out. The big bulky tumblers are out and these skinny tumblers are all the trend right now. Pair that with the hottest color of EVERY season, rose gold, and we have a winner! I really adore the simplicity of the fonts. Personalize yours HERE.

Kill 2 birds with 1 stone over at FierceDeer on Etsy with these sweet "established" necklaces. Snag one for mama and one for nana HERE.

Your mama's favorite picture out of laser cut metal... Now, THAT is one unique gift. Note to my kids: If you see this, mom wants it! Check it out HERE.

I love some sweet wall art. I chose this definition of a mother art print because A.) It's available on burlap -- so shabby farmhouse-ish, and B.) Because you customize your mom's name and what you'd like it to read. Personalized gifts never go out of style. Go snag this HERE.

The fist bump definitely sold me on this mug! Perfect gift for mom from her favorite daughter! Get it HERE.

I don't want to do too much of one category, i.e., necklaces, BUT I couldn't resist these. This listing comes with all 3 necklaces, perfect for a mama and twins or grandma, mom and daughter! Purchase the set HERE.

What's better than a family portrait? A custom pop art family portrait! On top of that, it's a digital download, so you don't have to wait for shipping! Personalize yours HERE.

I'm not a dog mom, but I know every single one of my dog mom friends absolutely want a necklace like this. I saw your typical personalized necklaces with your dogs name, but when I saw this pet portrait necklace, I knew that this was the perfect statement piece for dog moms reading this post. That's why it's an Etsy bestseller and over 20 people have it in their carts right now. Hurry and get yours HERE.

We use our purses everyday, do we not? How perfect to have your own personalized message to mom on the inside of a premium quality Italian leather clutch?! Check it out HERE.

As moms, what are your favorite gifts to receive? Tell me in the comments below!

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Full disclosure: We blog about an array of topics from recipes and our favorite products to small business advice and tutorials. We may receive a small commission from links in our posts to keep this blog running, however, we do not represent any companies or products that we do not absolutely love and stand by 110% because that's not how we roll. The  opinions expressed are our own. Our blog is for informational purposes only and any information found on this site is not substitute for professional advice.
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Chances are, if you clicked on this post, you are or have been in this boat, you're looking for a good laugh or both. Either way, here you go...

Sex changes after you have kids. No one wants to talk about it, but it does. It changes even more when you know you are done having kids. It changes even more than that when the thought of becoming pregnant again terrifies you and you are done jamming yourself with birth control pills, patches, shots, and implants all in the name of having carefree sex.

When you reach that point in your relationship, typically you have a conversation with your partner and come to an agreement that he goes in for the snip. Unfortunately, for some of us, it's not that simple.

​Some of us wind up with partners that are "too scared", feel like their manhood is being taken, or whatever their excuse may be, but they will complain on the regular about how sex isn't the same or how it isn't as often as they'd like, but are completely unwilling to do anything about it. This post is for YOU.

Dear Husband,

Get a vasectomy. 

For the love of God, just do it. 

Maybe you've been there, maybe you haven't, but let me tell you, being with someone that refuses to have a vasectomy when you are 400,765,965% sure you're done having children is no easy feat. 

In my humble opinion, the best part is when they complain about sex not being the same or lack thereof, when they have complete control over this. Truth be told, the thought of getting pregnant again scares the ever loving shit out of me, so subconsciously I go into "whatever I have to do to make sure that never happens again" mode.

You've had the privilege of "blowing loads", as you call it (anyone else's husband this classy? I know, I've got a keeper 🤣), for a whopping 12 years. That's 12 whole years of carefree (for the most part) sex. 

Throughout that 12 years, I was stuffing my body with birth control pills, shots, and patches, all to make sure that you could have the sexual satisfaction that you so desired (I know, I know. I did too, but this is about you. I did my part). I'm 35. I'm done. No more pills. This is your turn to take the reigns of responsibility where our family planning is concerned. 

Amidst those 12 years of sexual bliss, I've managed to nourish, house, and grow 2 of our children in this body. 

Aside from ridiculously uncomfortable Pap Smears and exams that occur once a month during pregnancy, I have suffered from sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and a plethora of other ailments that come along with pregnancy.

I've endured contractions. I've endured needles being stuck in me over and over again while being induced. I've endured epidurals. My vagina stretched the size of an entire bagel to squeeze out 2 babies that YOU created with me. I'm left with stretch marks, which I like to refer to as my tiger stripes, and our last pregnancy left a sweet extra 12 pounds on me that legiterally WILL. NOT. GO. AWAY.

I still wouldn't complain about ANY of it... until you start complaining about a vasectomy, that is.

So, forgive me when I cannot even take you seriously when your fear of a 15 minute outpatient procedure makes me literally LOL. Forgive me when I can't understand your hesitation to take accountability for your own role in our sex life to make it thebomb(dot)com again. Honestly, it has me wondering how men are regarded by many as a superior species or pillars of strength because, in all reality, it's rather weak of you. ​

Sincerely,
Your Human Life Growing, Superhuman Child Birthing, Warrior Badass Wife

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