This post is sponsored by Jennie-O but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Summer is here and you know what that means; I'm working on my summer body... well, kind of. While I'm trying to get a little more active than normal, I'm still my regular ol' foodie self - but I'm realizing rolls don't necessarily look great in a bikini, so I'm doing my best to try and make smart choices when it comes to meal time. I guess you could say I'm not "dieting" but I'm watching what I'm eating.
I mean, eating vegetables, even if they are fried, is still eating vegetables, right?
That's why I'm sharing a couple of my favorite recent recipes with y'all today. While this meal is incredibly tasty, it's also better for you - which makes it one to add to your "make again" section of pinterest.
So what am I dishing up today? JENNIE-O® Seasoned Turkey Burgers smothered in delicious pineapple sauce, served on a bed of cabbage, & the side of the century - fried baby carrots!
For the pineapple sauce recipe you will need:
1/2 pineapple - cut & grilled 1/4 cup white onion 2 tbs cilantro
1/2 lime
2 tsp brown sugar
4 cup water
1/8 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves garlic
2 1/2 tbsp coconut vinegar 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
To make the sauce, cut and grill your pineapple, then blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Now just saute and stir the mixture, on medium heat, until it meets a gravy-like consistency.
Let cool in fridge while you start the JENNIE-O® Seasoned Turkey Burgers on the grill & prepare as instructed (which means cooking to at least 165*F), then get the carrots started with the items below:
2 cups of baby carrots cut into long halves
For the dry dip, mix these items all together in one bowl: 3/4 tbsp bread crumbs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
For the wet dip, mix these together in another bowl: 2 eggs beaten 4 tbsp milk
Once cut, you'll want to dip the carrots in the dry mix first, then the wet mix, then the dry again. Line up on a baking sheet covered with wax paper until all carrots have been dipped. Fry in peanut oil at 350* degrees until crisped on the outside, which took our fryer about 6 minutes. Let cool a few minutes and serve.
Now it's time to plate everything, which means you may want to add these delicious extras to your burger, although they aren't at all necessary - they do add to the over all flavor and provide a nice little boost: Slices of Gouda Cheese Slices of Avocado Cabbage Leaves for buns A small amount of Cilantro to garnish
You'll just smother your turkey burger in the chilled Pineapple Sauce, once melting the cheese, and add an array of CARROTS that taste like delicious pockets of love to your plate & ENJOY!
So tell me, what is your favorite meal to make when you are watching your carbs? I'd love to add some additional recipes that still taste amazing without sacrificing my diet, so please share some of your favorites!
This post is sponsored by Activia but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Let's be honest, most days I'm struggling to make sure Delainey and I both have pants on and our hair brushed whenever we leave the house. I'm pretty much a mess, even if it's hidden under a layer of foundation and a cute dress. I think all mamas with a toddler at home can probably relate.
She's going through this phase where she says "no" to almost everything, she has an opinion about things she never even minded previously, and on top of that, she's testing boundaries like it's her full time job. Basically, we've hit the terrible twos at 21 months old.
It's equal parts amazing and challenging to watch her learning and growing, she's becoming such a sassy, independent soul that is fearless and awe-inspiring, yet she still needs to be with me anytime I'm behind a closed door. I guess this is what parenthood is all about... the sweet moments come along with the sass. I'm just learning to deal with my mini-me and it's eye-opening, no doubt.
Speaking of eye-opening, I'm going to address something embarrassing... I've kind of let myself go as a mom... For a little bit there, I was eating what I wanted without regard, I wasn't sleeping much since I'm running the blog and Bloomology, and I hardly ever allowed myself time for me, I often share tips on how YOU can make time for yourself but I was having a real tough time taking my own advice... but now I'm working on that AND I'm not just saying that.
Starting this month, I've made a real effort to take a few seconds for me... each and every day. Wondering how you can take just SECONDS from your busy day and literally change your life? Here's one way I've found to treat myself and I think you should try this as well.
This goes without saying, but life is better when you learn to embrace the moment... sometimes that can be difficult without putting intention behind it. So lately I've been taking a deep breath and really taking in the view around me as I drink my Activia Probiotic Dailies.
Whether I'm at the beach and sipping one of these beauties as part of my breakfast or I'm spending time on the patio after dinner and enjoying a "dessert" that helps my gut, I'm a huge fan of these Activia Dailies and recommend all mamas add this tastiness to their routine. I also think every mama needs to take a deep breath & learn to embrace the moment while enjoying their Dailies, it's just good practice! I've been doing this for two weeks and I've noticed a difference, in my body and my spirit.
Are you in the same boat as me? Struggling with a tough toddler? Kinda feeling lost in motherhood? Start bettering your life with one tiny change at a time... adding Activia Dailies to your busy day and taking the time to take a deep breath shouldn't negatively effect what you're able to accomplish each day but it could help you be in the right mind to accomplish even more. So tell me, what do you do each day to better yourself?
Okay, so maybe I'm guilty of saying this every year... but this year I'm working towards a better me. This isn't a resolution, this isn't a goal I set and don't achieve. This is what's happening. In 2018, I'm making a lifestyle change... and it's for the better.
While I'm still going to devote a majority of my time to my sweet babe, I'm making sure I take time for me this year. From working a little less to working out a little more, I am making myself a priority again... and I think this little change will be good for my entire family.
So how do I plan on doing this? Well, let's be frank, I'm going to start by spoiling myself. Some weeks I'll send Delainey off for a little Daddy-Daughter time while I go get a pedicure, other weeks D and I will spend our time practicing baby & me yoga. I still want to be the best mom, blogger, and small shop owner I can be, but I want to take a few moments for just me each day - to provide balance, to keep myself sane, and frankly, just to breathe.
Luckily, I have a supportive hubby who is totally on board... and coincidentally, earlier this week Babbleboxx sent over a box of lean, green goodies to spoil me. So out the door went my family on a fun little adventure and after doing a little yoga & meditation into the box I dove... and I'm in love with all the items they sent!
We'll start with something I didn't even know I need, but I totally love - The Waterpik Showerhead. I'll be honest and say I had no idea we even needed a new one, until I replaced our previous one. That's right, I got "handy" and installed this baby on my own (because it's super easy to do). And after yoga & a little handy work, taking a shower was just the right way to relax. With 2x the massage force of other shower heads, this new Waterpik shower head was the perfect mixture of relaxing and rejuvenating.
Speaking of relaxing and rejuvenating the CW Hemp oil products were my next must-try item in the box. With wellness in mind, the Everyday Plus Mint Chocolate hemp extract oil is something I recommend every one give a try!
This goodness not only adds a touch of tastyness to whatever you add it to, it also is full of antioxidants and naturally contained phytocannabinoids, that support all kinds of biological processes in your body.... which basically means, it's great for you and everyone should add a drop to their coffee or into their next batch of cookies! And before you ask... Let me answer the obvious - NO, I'm not promoting "drugs"! Cannabinoids are a fatty compound found in many plants that are key players in a normal immune system and are actually naturally produced in your body as well.
With that said, the Hemp Infused Balm & Cream CW Hemp sent over is amazing as well. It makes my skin so soft and I'll be real and let y'all know, I just love using it on my aching feet after a long day of chasing D around! Interested in trying out something from CW Hemp? Check it out here and use the code BABBOXW7ZGGCRYAAZD to save 10%!
Speaking of chasing D around, the Casio: G-Shock S Series Step Tracker was a great addition to this box. I love that I'm able to keep track of how much activity I'm getting through out the day... it's a great way to remind myself to take a walk with Delainey instead of slaving away on my computer. Plus, the Casio G Shock is a pretty stylish women's timepiece, so it's a win-win for this mama!
Another win for me in this box was the Matcha Powder from The Synergy Company. From Matcha lattes to a quick pill to pop to make sure I'm giving my body all it needs - I'm a huge fan of Matcha! I'm also a huge fan of The Synergy Company and the fact that they are fanatical about using pure, natural ingredients... something I feel all vitamin companies should be!
While that sounds fancy, it's not at all! Ha. It may look funny while brushing with black charcoal but this all-natural, best selling tooth powder is filled with natural ingredients to help detoxify, whiten, and strengthen your teeth... What more could you ask for? Check out Primal Life and use the code PLOBOXX217 for 20% off your purchase!
Are you implementing any new routines or making changes to lead a healthier lifestyle this year? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below!
When I became a mom I had NO idea what kind of parent I would really be. I mean, I had ideas of the type of guidance I'd provide. I knew what kind of parent I thought I would be, but the reality of parenting is different...
Maybe I should lead with... it's not like I'm a bad parent, but I always thought I'd be a better parent than I am. What do I mean by that?
Well, I had envisioned being the type of mom that was "on top of everything". You know, the one that keeps a super tidy home, sends her toddler to montessori school, is part of every mom group, and always looks put together.
But... the reality is, that just isn't me. Luckily, Delainey loves me anyways.
With that said, over the past 16 months, I think I've found my "groove" as a mom.
I've found out I'm the type of mom that let's my kiddo have an extra bite of my ice cream when daddy isn't looking.
You know the one that she brings a stack of books to... and I read each and every one. That mom that smiles and plays dress up and loves each and every second of it. The one that hugs her, secretly takes a whiff of her sweet little hair, and smirks in delight because this angel is mine.
That's the mom I am... and well, I'm okay with that.
While I may not be on top of everything in life, I have been on top of fighting colds in our house this season with Kleenex. We actually started out the season with a gnarly cold and I wasn't going to make that mistake again. So I make sure to battle the sickness each time we hit up Walmart.
I'm not being exaggerative when I say we battle a cold with Kleenex. It's proven - the active ingredients in the middle layer disrupt the viruses’
protective coating and kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses in the tissue
within 15 minutes!
Speaking of things you can do with 15 minutes, we've also been spending time each day with Delainey going over our ABC's and practicing "where are your... eyes, lips, ears, etc." only about a thousand times a day per her request.
She pretty much learns a new word a day and lately we're trying to get her to say "please" and "thank you", but she's a stubborn little thing.
And, well, while I'm not the type of mom that wins awards for being organized, I'm a pretty dang good mom most days and I think my little nugget of love would agree.
So tell me, what type of parent are you? If you're also the type to stock up on essentials and fight colds before they come back - don't forget you can also shop Walmart online for all your Kleenex and other cold-fighting goodies!
Today's conversation is sponsored by Samsung via MomTrends.
It was bound to happen... and for the first time since I had D, it happened today.
Y'all...
Today, I woke up with a sore throat, a scratchy feeling in my ears, a
slight fever, and an overall BLAH feeling. Oh, freaking no. My life is
busy, as is, there's no time for being sick. Moms don't get sick days! It's just like an unspoken rule or something, we literally can not be sick.
I
wasn't sure what I was going to do... but I knew I had to act fast. I'm
sure you can relate, mom life doesn't leave much time for contemplating
decisions. With a toddler bouncing around in bed with me and growling
like a wild animal, I knew it was time to start the day... whether or
not I felt up to it or not. So I made my plan and executed it, almost flawlessly, may I add.
The first thing I did was gargle with salt water and make myself a cup of honey-lemon tea.
Next,
I knew I had to see a doctor, but wasn't sure how I was going to swing
that with Miss Crazy Pants in tow. Then I remembered, I can just use my
phone! Samsung Health makes it all easy as pie.
So...instead of
trying to get myself and D dressed & put together for an in-person
Doctor's visit, I was able to consult with a qualified physician from
the comfort of my couch using Ask an Expert on my Samsung S6 Edge. I can't even begin to tell you what a relief this was.
I
didn't have to worry about D catching something while waiting for me to
be seen at a local urgent care, because we were literally able to watch
her shows while I waited to be "seen" by the doctor.
I love how
convenient Asking an Expert was, I literally just pressed a few
buttons, chose who I would see, and then waited a few minutes until it
was time... and of course, D had to say hello and help me discuss my
symptoms.
Then... He told me to take it easy, get some rest, and
make sure I'm getting plenty of Vitamin C. HA! And while I wish I could
do all of that, it simply isn't going to be happening any time soon, at
least while I have D in my care. So I amped up the vitamin C and we did
our very best to take it easy today, which still included lots of time
playing and chasing my tiny boss around the house.
While I'm not feeling a hundred percent myself yet, I think I'm on the road to recovery and I'm thankful I was able to Ask an Expert and confirm it was just a common cold without even having to leave my house.
Are
you feeling a little under the weather or maybe your sweet pea is
breaking out in a rash? If you're a Samsung user, here's some good news
(even though I'm sure you're stressing): you can see a doctor easily,
just like I did! PLUS, I have a discount code you can use, save $10 when you use the code 'SAMSUNG24'! But just so ya know, this expires 3/31/18.
Disclaimer:
Compensation for this post was provided to me by Samsung via MomTrends.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not
indicative of the opinions of Samsung or MomTrends. Ask an Expert
(Online Doctor Visits) is a service offered through Samsung Health that
helps you easily connect to medical and wellness experts from your
phone. Samsung Health requires a compatible Android phone and a Samsung
account. The Online Doctor Visits service is available in the U.S.,
except in Arkansas. The service is not for people suffering from medical
emergencies or serious life-threatening conditions. If you have a
serious medical concern, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest
emergency department.
So, as you've probably noticed around here - my life is totally different as a parent. I thought before I had D that I'd still write about all kinds of things lifestyle related, but you can pretty much tell as you scroll through... I spend all my time mom-ing now. Taking care of baby business and basically living the life of a toddler's snack chef is my 24/7 - I'm not complaining though, this is the life I've always dreamed of. Delainey truly is a blessing and I'm so thankful to get to spend all my time with her.
With that said, I've had to learn to make time for myself too. I'm learning to master the art of balance in my life, in more ways than one really. It's been a struggle over the past year or so, but now that D's nearly 13 months, I'm starting to get the hang of things... maybe? She's teaching me lessons at the same time I'm trying to teach her about life, it's a balancing act in itself and one that'll be a lifelong thing - that's what parenthood really is, after all.
Ultimately, finding "me" time and still making more than enough time for her is my goal. I've been trying to do more for me, without taking away from her... so I've been practicing yoga a little more with her as my partner, meditating as much as possible while embracing her wild and crazy noisy self, and contemplating ways we all can work on balancing our lives - hence today's post.
There's no coincidence I started this new balanced lifestyle in September either, it's National Yoga Month - which means I'm not just trying to balance my life, but I'm working on my "yoga-game" lately as well and trying to find more balance there. The thing is, yoga isn't just an awesome way to build physical balance, it's a great way to center your mind and find balance mentally as well. Are you wanting to find more balance in your life? Here's my list, inspired by my most recent Peace, Love, and Yoga Babbleboxx goodies:
1. Flow - While drinking plenty of water is one important way to maintain balance in your life, the way I'm addressing flow today is more in the manner of "going with the flow". While practicing yoga, listen to your body. When you're having a rough day, try not to sweat the small stuff. Let things roll off your back, instead of worrying about every detail, and you'll soon discover, life is much happier this way.
2. Hard Work - When we have a million voices screaming at us to quit, it's easy to give up... but the thing is - quitting won't get us anywhere.
Whether it's anxious thoughts overwhelming you while prepping for a gym session, the thought of needing to quit while in a tough yoga pose, or the overwhelming urgency of needing to eat making you desperate to break your diet, there's no need to "quit". Hard work always pays off, in your thoughts, in the gym, while practicing yoga, and even when you stick to a tough diet.
With that said, making sure you are getting enough protein as a momma on the go can be tough. Check out how you can ensure your body stays nourished with Ascent Protein — The Official Sponsor of Hard Work. Coming in flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, and lemon sorbet, I'm always craving these and love being able to make sure my body is getting what it needs, easily in yummy shake form! Want to try this delicious "reward" for all your hard work? Use the code 'YOGA' for 10% off!
3. Escape - I know I'm not the only one that just needs an escape every once in a while. It's not even just limited to a "mom thing". So when I find a book I just love, I have to share. Plus this one is a #1 New York Times Best Seller & one of Oprah's Book Club Selections in 2016, so you know it's good. Love Warrior is a painfully honest book written by Glenn Doyle Melton, about life, about love, about trusting. We are all born to be warriors and this women's memoir is a reminder that we all are powerful, capable, and brave enough to fight for what we want. At the same time, it's super raw and open, about everything. If you're looking for a gripping book, you know, the type with little bits so well-phrased and interesting that you highlight the pages... this is it.
4. Energize - Kombucha is something I've loved since I tried it, not only because it's healthy... but it's actually super tasty! I love trying new foods and I'll try anything once, but the first time I sipped kombucha, I knew it was a life-long love type of thing.
With that said, KeVita Master Brew kombucha has me feeling the same way. Fermented with a kombucha tea culture, has live probiotics, organic acids, organic caffeine (hellllllooooooooo life source), and it's also verified non-alcoholic!
I try to limit myself on kombucha since D is nursing still but I can't wait to try all the invigorating flavors! With options ranging from pineapple peach to root beer, they have kombucha everyone will love.
5. Nourish - On the same yummy note, B.O.S.S. Bars are a new family favorite! With amazing flavor combinations and premium, all raw
ingredients. These are "treats" I don't have to hide from Delainey when
I'm snacking... but sometimes I sneak away for a second anyways, just
to savor the flavor and treat myself, without having to share! LOL.
Why
do I love these so much? With paleo flavors like Dazzle, Think, Move,
Smile, what's not to love? I think so far we have enjoyed the 'Smile'
bar the most, although they all are delicious gluten-free snacks. Which
flavor catches your interest the most? Grab a stash of these goodies here
and you can score free shipping on any 5-pack and/or case of 12 on
their website through October 15, 2017 w/code BABBLEBOSS (or you can
always score some on Amazon Prime)!
6. Sweeten - Some days, life just needs a little sweetness added to it. The most recent addition to the In the Raw sweeteners, NEW Organic Stevia In The Raw is the best way to add that bit of sweetness without worrying about GMOs. This natural sweetener is my favorite way to make sure my espresso tastes just right... and since it comes in tiny little packets, I take it everywhere with me.
7. Freshen - Let's be honest, some days we don't have time to take multiple showers... but chasing these babies around definitely makes us feel a little heated alllllll day long. Or is that just me? Either way, I sometimes feel the need to freshen up mid-day... and when I don't have the time to take an all out shower, I reach for Simply Summer's Eve Cleansing cloths. These little handy-dandy personal care wipes help balance your natural pH and wipe away unwanted, odor causing bacteria - the perfect way to make sure your lady bits stay fresh, no matter how active you are!
8. Switch Perspective - Life really is all about perspective,
trying to find the positive in every situation is really the best way to
look at things - in my eyes, anyways. Nopun intended. The thing is, that isn't always easy. When
things get rough, it's best to allow yourself to be upset for a moment.
Then push past it and find a way to look at it differently.
When baby is throwing a fit and all you want to do is cry with her, instead sit down, get on her eye level and start to play. I almost guarantee that little shift in your behavior will alter her behavior as well. Life really is all about how you look at it, so try and enjoy every moment and find the good in it all. Some days it's nice to take things in from an admiring 1 year old's stance, she definitely makes the mundane seem interesting and the boring seem bright... and what is there not to love about that?!
9. Embrace - On that note, learning to embrace the crazy, the long nights, the crying, and the tough moments has probably been my biggest struggle as a parent. Therefore, it's where I've had to work at balancing life the most since D's arrival. I can honestly say I'm still working on embracing it all, but I try and take it all in now. I find balance in embracing all parts of our daily life by trying to remind myself she's only little once, regardless of how tough she can be.
Even on my busiest of days, I love the moments she needs me. When I'm struggling to get things done, I still love when she just wants mama snuggles and nothing else will do.... and when she only laughs at me and nothing else can make her giggle, those are the moments I'll always cherish. I feel honored that she loves me so much, with this extravagant, over-the-top, adoring type of love... and the thing is, I somehow love her so much more than that.
So tell me, how do you embrace parenthood? How have you achieved balance in your life as a parent? ...or if you're still navigating through the first few years of parenthood (like me), be sure to leave me some input on how you're managing to balance your life right now! Also, be sure to check out all the goodies I shared today, for your chance to refresh, sweeten, and nourish your soul.
