For the record – I am a beginner. When I created Free Spirit Planner, the name was inspired by my personality during our traveling adventures. My love for planning the travel itinerary prior but then triggering my inner free spirit to just go with the flow during the vacation. But something happens to me every time we travel – I absolutely love the person I become while we are vacationing. I become the person I want to be in my everyday life – more carefree, more laid back, go with the flow, ‘it is what it is’ type of person…MORE MINDFUL. I started becoming obsessed with vacations – solely for…

I’m a little obsessed with education (being a former teacher) but honestly, I don’t even think that matters – I think most parents are obsessed with education. Watching our children learn and grow is by far one of the best parts of being a parent! Like a lot of you I am always looking for new things to incorporate into our day that promotes learning, but I’m not talking about spending hours researching, prepping, and implementing an activity – only for my 3-year-old to spend less than 5 minutes engaged with it and then wanting to move on to the next thing. That is why I love play doh activities…

Me time?! Oh, that got your attention, didn’t it? What mom doesn’t LOVE me time!? Lord Jesus give me a break from these kids!! Even though we typically spend the ‘me-time’ either talking about the kids, worrying about the kids, or looking through old pictures of the kids! You’re smiling because it’s true…. But we all know moms need time away from the kids and family life. It makes us better moms. While we shouldn’t feel guilty taking time for ourselves, we typically do – it’s like it’s in our DNA. So how do we take me time without feeling guilty? VOLUNTEER! Give back to the community! It makes me…

If you’re not familiar with TED Talks, they’re videos from expert speakers covering topics such as education, business, creativity, humor, etc. Their slogan is “ideas worth spreading.” And that is exactly what I am doing; spreading some of these influential speakers ideas that have changed my life. Look: TED Talks are the perfect way to consume new information or grow as a person because you can listen to them via podcast or youtube, while you’re taking a walk or washing dishes. Or you can relax on the couch with a warm cup of coffee and watch the videos before starting your day off (my favorite way to watch them). 1. Brene…

“There are complications with your pregnancy.” A phrase no pregnant woman wants to hear. Unfortunately, this was my reality with my second pregnancy when I was told our baby was developing with a two-vessel umbilical cord and calcium deposits on his heart. I scoured the internet for support during my pregnancy and I hope to be that now to other women dealing with this condition. It all began when: We found out I was pregnant in July 2017. We were planning for this and so excited when it happened! I was starting my internship in August and graduating with my master’s degree in December. Our baby was due in March…

You’re planning on heading to Hot Springs National Park?! Ahhhh there is something about National Parks that free my spirit and feed my soul. While most of the National Parks are out west, one lies not too far from the Mississippi River: Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. If you live close by or are passing through, here are a few things to keep in mind while exploring the park: 1. Not Your Typical National Park We took a detour on our trip home after the holidays in December to explore Hot Springs NP and I’m glad we did! However, Hot Springs NP is not your typical NP.…

Hopefully, you’re listening to your inner free spirit and planning your next beach getaway?! Many people associate South Padre Island with Spring Break madness and college kids everywhere but the other 11 months out of the year it is a stunning beach oasis. Understand: South Padre is the closest to Mexico beaches you will get without crossing the border. When is the Best Time to Go? Let me reiterate: If you are looking for a family getaway, do not venture anywhere near South Padre Island during Spring Break. My family has been lucky enough to explore South Padre in the offseason multiple times, which is the time I recommend going.…

San Antonio is a great city with so much to offer. Plus there is so much to do for free! I’m sorry visiting the Alamo doesn’t make the list! Of course, it is a must-do and it is free but I wanted to uncover the lesser-known free places to visit in San Antonio. Go see the Alamo! Onto my top five favorite free things to do in San Antonio: 1. Japanese Tea Gardens The Tea Gardens, or Sunken Gardens some may call it, is one of my favorites places in San Antonio. Like all the places on this list, it is free to go. The Japanese Tea Gardens consist of…