The Essentials List: Jessie James Decker on her hectic life with 4 young kids and her everyday essentials
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Having three kids in under ten years turned Jessie James Decker into a time-management expert.
“I kind of just knew how to create a rhythm, good habits and a great schedule,” she says. So after the country music star and famed cookbook author and her husband, Eric, welcomed their fourth child — baby boy Denver — in February, she quickly embraced the chaos. “Having a newborn after all this time has definitely been unexpected,” Decker says. “But it’s so much fun to be able to do it again.”
No-frills food-prepping in the kitchen is a major help. “I need to have ready-to-grab options that my kids can gravitate to,” she says. That’s why, in partnership with Waterloo Sparkling Water, Decker recently made the time to whip up three recipes that incorporate the beverage’s Raspberry Nectarine, Tropical Fruit and Summer Berry flavors. One Decker family favorite for before school and sports practices? Summer Berry Pancake Mini Muffins. As Decker notes, “Carbonation is great for baking because it creates a lighter and fluffier texture in the batter.”
The country music singer says her own health and wellness are “top priorities” as she tries to keep up with her active children. “Because I’m breastfeeding, I have to make sure to consume enough calories to maintain my milk supply,” she says. And now that she’s well past her six-week mark of giving birth, “I can really start exercising so I can feel great and have enough energy.”
Ahead, Decker shares six of her parenting and everyday essentials with CNN Underscored.
Wildbird Maternity Pillow
Decker needed all the support she could get during her fourth pregnancy, sometimes literally. This maternity pillow, filled with 100% polyester pearl foam, promotes restful sleep by conforming to the back, belly, hips and legs. “I’m pretty short, and some of the standard pregnancy pillows were too long,” she says. “But this one was so soft and perfect for my body.” It can also be used for feedings.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil
Decker applies a few drops of this face oil every morning and night to give her skin an extra boost. It’s infused with nutrient-rich extracts such as ginger, golden turmeric and primrose, as well as antioxidants to leave the skin bright and nourished. “It gives me a healthy glow,” she says. Plus, “I love the smell!”
Hatch Restore 2
Yes, the mom of four really does get some quality shut-eye. She credits her sleek and soothing bedside electric sleep aid, which features a sunrise alarm, sleep sounds, a dimmable clock, rest and rise buttons, alarm sounds and soft lighting. “I love it,” Decker says, adding that she keeps her machine on the “beach waves” setting.
Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine Sparkling Water
As an alternative to plain water, Decker opts for the sparkling stuff — especially the brand’s new Raspberry Nectarine and Tropical Fruit varieties. Because each of its 16 flavors are free of calories, sugar, sodium and artificial sweeteners, “I feel good about what I’m drinking without having to sacrifice on taste,” she says.
Guardmate Classic Acrylic Wall Calendar
As a new family of six, the Deckers pretty much epitomize the concept of overscheduled. Quick solution: This oversized dry-erase board calendar and to-do list, which is mounted (and color-coded) on the wall in her home office. “There’s definitely a lot to keep track of now, so this helps us stay organized,” she says. Eight quick-drying markers and an eraser are included.
Kittenish Downtown Boyfriend Denim Jacket
Decker favors this medium-wash jacket from her clothing line, which has an oversized fit ideal for layering. “I really love it,” she says. “It is so versatile and can be styled a million different ways.”
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