I used to (and still do if I'm not taking precautions) get panicky in big box stores. It's not something that's always happened but over the last couple years, it's been an increasing problem for me. I get hot, sweaty, panicky, irritable, stomach aches, a headache, dizzy, Spacey and it took me a long time to realize what the problem was. I've been diagnosed with binocular vision dysfunction so that means that my eyes aren't tracking together and I have prism lenses now that help me with that, but my brain is working so hard even with the lenses to make a 3D image, that my brain elves (I like to picture a bunch of office worker elves in my brain controlling everything) get overwhelmed. My BVD doctor (Dr. Jenks at Outreach Vision) told me to get @LoopEarplugs to help quiet my brain and keep the panic at bay and it WORKS. With the ear plugs, I'm able to enjoy shopping and being in crowded spaces and being in restaurants again. It's the difference of me being in pain and in a bad mood, and feeling like myself and being in a good mood. Even if you don't have bvd, if you have something that your brain has to focus on a lot and you get sensory overload because of it, take some of the edge off with some ear plugs! I wish someone had told me this sooner. . . . #kelsewhatelse #bvd #binocularvisiondysfunction #loops #loopearplugs #sensoryfriendly #sensoryoverload

I can't believe I didn't think to use this phrase as we have been navigating time travel invention meltdowns over the past couple months. Our invention box is one of our most beloved activities in this home, but what we didn't expect to happen is for my 5-year-old to be so frustrated by the fact that he cannot invent things that have not been invented by actual scientists yet (Time travel, shrink rays, etc) We're at the point in his brain development where he understands logic, but some things are still beyond his understanding. We tried to explain to him that he's just not ready to build a time machine, but without a general understanding of how time and space works, he just wasn't getting it. That's when I remembered one of the best teaching tricks, take something that they DO know- And apply it to what they DON'T know. So, "It's just like". Example: You can't only drink chocolate milk and not eat any food. What your kid understands, is that chocolate milk feels like it is filling their belly just like food does. They understand that amount of logic, but not enough logic to understand the intricacies of nutrition. " Would we just feed the dog only water but not food? No? Why not? Water would make his belly feel full for a little while so why do we need to feed him food? Ah yes- because the dog would get sick. If we just gave him water, his body would be hungry because not all of his body's needs are being met by just the water." "So JUST LIKE We have to feed the dog food and water because his body needs both to keep him healthy, your body needs more than just chocolate milk even if it's making your belly feel full. And JUST LIKE How only feeding the dog water, will make the dog sick, only feeding your body chocolate milk will make your body sick. So we need to make sure we eat some other foods along with the chocolate milk you love." 💡 #kelsewhatelse #momtips #workingrocks #parentingmagicphrase #parentingtips #midwesternmom #kansascityinfluencer

This is the most ridiculous doctor's note I have ever received. And I absolutely kept it so that we can laugh at it for years and years. You would not believe the mortification that I felt when I read what I had submitted to my local County office as an excuse to get out of jury duty. I didn't even think to read the note. I just forwarded it on, I'm sure while I was actively juggling a baby with my other hand! I learned my lesson and I will always double-check people's work before I submit it to a government office that could hold me accountable for perjury 😬 My son's pediatrician office was confused and mortified that they sent that note over. The best we can guess is that the doctor (not my son's pediatrician but another doctor in the office) who sent the note, was multitasking at the time and typed it out without double-checking what she sent. Whoops Makes for a funny story! I was cackling over that note (after I got it all straightened out with the government!) for weeks. . . . #kelsewhatelse #juryduty #momhumor #kansascityinfluencer #midwesternmom

My hometown of Branson, Missouri offers so much for vacationing families! [Hosted] Branson is a town nestled in the beautiful Ozark mountains that is built for families and built for fun! I actually didn't realize growing up that other towns didn't have theme parks, dinner theaters, and musical shows around every corner (for real, until I was like 9). I get asked what tips I have for families visiting Branson, Missouri on vacation, so here is one of our 5-day Branson family-friendly itineraries! If your family is planning to travel to Branson for vacation and if you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them in the comments! Day 1: -Play games, explore movie sets, and fly over the US on FlyRide at Beyond the Lens! -Grab dinner and while experiencing Mel’s Hard Luck Diner’s famous singing servers! Day 2: -Follow the story of the Titanic and its passengers (and see real artifacts!) at the Titanic Museum! -Sail Table Rock Lake and enjoy dinner and a show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle! Day 3: -Zipline, slide, and climb to new heights at Fritz’s Adventures! - Grab your boots and get ready to dig into a plate of food while watching the horses and cowboys gallop to victory at Dolly Parton’s Stampede! Day 4: Explore Shepherd of the Hills expansive outdoor property with tons of family-friendly activities. Grab a meal and dessert on property! Day 5: Spend the day at Silver Dollar City Theme Park! See the local craftsmen at work, eat delicious food, and ride your heart out on all of the rides! Make sure to try their newly revamped ride, Fire in the Hole! #kelsewhatelse #explorebranson #travelwithkids #silverdollarcity #midwesttravel #missouristravel #kansascitywithkids #familytraveltips @Explore Branson @Silver Dollar City

UPDATE! 2 million of you came alongside me to hate on the design of the columns in my home. But I'm happy to report that we may have a solution for these 2001 McMansion columns! The ugly columns in my house currently have a solution. If you're standing at just the right angle, you can't even see the one blocking the pathway from the living room to the kitchen! . . . #kelsewhatelse #houserenovation #housereno #mcmansion #midwesternmom