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friday top five
Friday Top Five | The Lunchbox Edit
07 September 2018
We have found ourselves at the end of our first three weeks of school, three weeks for us because Charlotte started all-day preschool a week before Ava started first grade. It's been an adjustment for us with our daily schedule, I haven't quite hit my stride yet and still feel a bit discombobulated at times but the girls are loving school and seem to but be having great experiences so far-- which makes it all worth it.
I started them out with items that I thought would work for their lunch boxes but quickly realized that a few of our things weren't doing the job. Our ice packs were too large and didn't fit nicely in the boxes. Our water bottles kept leaking and and so did our compartment inserts. So, after doing a more in-depth search online [amazon, I mean what can't you find and prime these days...] I found a few products that I really like and have been working nicely for us.
1.| Bentgo Box - The lid fits nice and tight! So, Charlotte's favorite ranch dip doesn't get mixed up with any other foods.
2.| Reusable Water Bottle Set with Fridge Tray Organizer - These are wonderful, they come in a set of five with a fridge organizing tray. They are affordable so I won' t be crying if they leave them behind. They're not 'all day' insulated but I just toss in a few ice cubes.
3.| Thin Ice Packs - These are nice and thin and fit between the bentgo box on both side while still being able to zipper the lunch box.
4.| kids RXbar - Ok, so this in't an accessory BUT they are the kids new favorite protein bar. I love the adult RXbars but I could totally eat the PB&J kids one and have no complains.
5.| Insulated Thermos - Ava wants to start taking tomato soup and mac and cheese so I picked up this small thermos for her to be able to do just that. I pour hot water and let it sit for about 10 minutes before I fill it with the hot food that she wants.
Happy lunch packing, friends!
Friday Top Five | Chalk Activities
08 June 2018
Now that the weather is perfect for outdoor playtime I love being able to scoot them outside during Naomi's afternoon nap. Our new place gives me lots to explore, trees to climb and spots to dig dirt but another thing they really love to do outside is; play with chalk. And Charlotte's favorite part is when I get the hose out to wash it off-- she loves to, and I quote 'watch the colors dance and run'. Childhood can be pretty amazing. We recently stocked up on some different colors of chalk and other fun things to make their outdoor drawing sessions more creative.
Here's a list of our top five chalk items!
Friday Top Five | My Current Crushes
12 January 2018
It's been awhile since I shared a handful of my favorite things!
So, here they are- my current crushes!
1.| Orzo Taco Skillet
You can find the recipe here!
It was a huge hit with my picky eaters and it makes enough to feed a crowd on Taco Tuesday or save for leftovers! I subbed beef bone broth for the chicken broth and I used green siracha for the hot sauce. It was just as yummy. Vegetable broth would work well also if you don't have chicken or beef.
2.| 1-2-3 Magic
We've been struggling over the past few months with sassy attitudes, teasing, sibling rivalry and a mess of yuck. The current strategies that we had in place just weren't cutting it anymore. Our pediatrician recommended this at our 5 years well check when I expressed my frustrations with the sibling 'stuff' that I just couldn't understand. Well, I finally broke down [read: through my hands in the air] and ordered this book! I'm halfway through it and it's MAGIC!
3.| Herban Essentials
Herban Essentials essential oil towelettes are made with the highest quality pure essential oil, which not only makes them smell amazing but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well. The most common use of the towelettes is to clean hands and kill germs, but there are millions of ways to use these wonderful wipes.
Herban Essentials Mini Orange Towelettes - Tuck in your car air conditioner vents for happy rides; wipe down seats and tray tables when flying
Herban Essentials Mini Lavender Towelettes - Rub over skin to repel bugs and relieve itching due to previous bites & place in dryer for last minute of cycle to infuse clothes and linens with lavender aroma
Herban Essentials Mini Lemon Towelettes -Wipe phones, computer keyboards etc., in office or at home to prevent the spread of germs
4.| Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee, Cocoa & Honey with Cream
This can be hard to find in the stores but leave it to amazon prime to sell these 11 oz glass bottles of goodness in a case of 6!! YES!
5.| Meal Planner: Track And Plan Your Meals Weekly
And it's slim enough to fit into your bag! Each weekly spread contains a lined space for every day of the week, as well as a box for breakfast ideas and lunch ideas! Additionally, there is a large area to write down your grocery list for the week! Plan out your week, save time and money, and eat right.
So, here they are- my current crushes!
1.| Orzo Taco Skillet
You can find the recipe here!
It was a huge hit with my picky eaters and it makes enough to feed a crowd on Taco Tuesday or save for leftovers! I subbed beef bone broth for the chicken broth and I used green siracha for the hot sauce. It was just as yummy. Vegetable broth would work well also if you don't have chicken or beef.
2.| 1-2-3 Magic
We've been struggling over the past few months with sassy attitudes, teasing, sibling rivalry and a mess of yuck. The current strategies that we had in place just weren't cutting it anymore. Our pediatrician recommended this at our 5 years well check when I expressed my frustrations with the sibling 'stuff' that I just couldn't understand. Well, I finally broke down [read: through my hands in the air] and ordered this book! I'm halfway through it and it's MAGIC!
3.| Herban Essentials
Herban Essentials essential oil towelettes are made with the highest quality pure essential oil, which not only makes them smell amazing but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well. The most common use of the towelettes is to clean hands and kill germs, but there are millions of ways to use these wonderful wipes.
Herban Essentials Mini Orange Towelettes - Tuck in your car air conditioner vents for happy rides; wipe down seats and tray tables when flying
Herban Essentials Mini Lavender Towelettes - Rub over skin to repel bugs and relieve itching due to previous bites & place in dryer for last minute of cycle to infuse clothes and linens with lavender aroma
Herban Essentials Mini Lemon Towelettes -Wipe phones, computer keyboards etc., in office or at home to prevent the spread of germs
4.| Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee, Cocoa & Honey with Cream
This can be hard to find in the stores but leave it to amazon prime to sell these 11 oz glass bottles of goodness in a case of 6!! YES!
5.| Meal Planner: Track And Plan Your Meals Weekly
And it's slim enough to fit into your bag! Each weekly spread contains a lined space for every day of the week, as well as a box for breakfast ideas and lunch ideas! Additionally, there is a large area to write down your grocery list for the week! Plan out your week, save time and money, and eat right.
Friday Top Five | Top Five Moments of 2017
29 December 2017
Hello Friends!
As we step into 2018 - I want to take a quick moment to reflect on 2017 and some of our favorite moments and memories!
1.| Naomi's Birth
We started out 2017 on a high note. 25 days into the New Year we welcomed our third beautiful baby girl. She made her fast and furious arrival into this world right on the heels of another family memeber passing and we all felt the true circle of life first hand. Little Naomi Jane has been keeping us busy all year long and having a third child has really put us through the paces but we are so grateful for her and her sweet soul.
2.| Swim Lesssons
This summer we put Ava and Charlotte in swim lessons and it was the best experience for the both of them. Charlotte who doesn't like to leave my side and prefers to 'hide behind my skirt' really came out of her shell and was even going off of the diving board by the end of the two weeks. And Ava, she jumped levels half way through the course and she really proved to herself that she could accomplish new and exciting things. Thankfully Naomi was at the perfect age to sit in the stroller and sleep- next year I'll probably be chasing a toddler around the pool. ha!
3.| Kindergarten
I know, I know - most moms are sad that when their childern start school but it really has been the best thing for us, we are all getting what we need. Ava is getting the social interaction that she craves, she's flourshing beautifully in school and I'm getting a slight break in the mornings. It's been a win, win for all involved.
4.| Our Chicago Road Trip
I did something this year that I never thought I would do, I road tripped 12 hours with 3 kids- without my husband. A sweet family member tagged along to help me with handing out snacks, bottle making, and rest stop breaks. But, we did it, start to finish a total of 24 hours in the car with 3 kids (ages 5 and under). I felt like superwoman!
5.| Christmas
This was our first christmas as a family of five and it was pretty magical. Last year all we could dream about was what it would be like when Naomi finally joined us and it was way more fun than I expected it to be. There was a moment when they were all switched into their matching pajamas and sitting on a chair together to get their picture taken and I turned around and looked at my husband and said, "Well, there they are- the three little humans that we created." It was just a beautiful and humbling moment. These three precious lives that we get to care for and lead through this life, it's the most precious gift.
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!
2018 has never looked so bright!
Friday Top Five | Cold & Virus
15 December 2017
I used to get so upset when the girls would catch a cold- I always felt like I was doing something wrong...I mean how could they, I arm them with daily vitamins, a healthy diet, probiotics, oily foot massages, detox baths, and I have diffusers running in multiple rooms. And while we don't get sick often it would still irritate me when a virus would sneak through my carefully constructed tall defensive fences. But, I finally came to the realization (see: read an article) stating that studies show, "A child exposed to colds and viruses earlier in life will develop a stronger immune system and is less likely to become sick in his or her later years". Here is the article.
So, I now try hard to release the mom guilt- I mean it's not like I place them in a bubble even though some days it would make life easier. I just do my best and hope for the best! Here is a list of our favorite remedies to try and lessen symptoms and/or get over a cold or virus quicker.
1.| Elderberry Syrup -
You can find my favorite recipe here!
It's so simple to make and a great addition to your daily health routine.
2.| Oils
Diffusing oils in an ultrasonic diffuser combines the advantages of a humidifier, air purifier, atomizer, and aromatherapy diffuser into one by breaking a mixture of essential oils and water into millions of microparticles and dispersing them into the air. You can also reap the healing benefits of essential oils by diffusing them into the air. These are the three diffusers used in our home currently, Diffuser #1 Diffuser #2 Diffuser #3
3.| Over-the-Counter Remedies
Sometimes you just need medicine and I try to be super careful about what I put into their bodies. I think it's important for the body to heal itself as much as possible. That being said- yes, we use antibiotics when needed, trust me.
Sometimes you just need medicine and I try to be super careful about what I put into their bodies. I think it's important for the body to heal itself as much as possible. That being said- yes, we use antibiotics when needed, trust me.
4.| Detox Soak
My tips and tricks found here.
5.| Homemade Gatorade Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups of water (filtered or purified)
2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
1/8 tsp Himalayan Pink salt or Celtic sea salt
Instructions:
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
Store in Mason jars or reusable glass cap bottles.
*this post may contain affiliate links*
Friday Top Five | Velvet
10 November 2017
Happy Friday friends!
I am loving all of the velvet and corduroy that has come back for this season, also the colors! The colors are so good this season. Here are a few things that I'm {crush}ed on when it comes to velvet.
1.| Shoes
Girls - Velvet Sparkle Chelsea Boots
Women - Velvet Sneakers
2.| Dresses
Girls - Crushed Velvet Cutout Dress [on sale]
Women - Strappy Back Dress
3.| Tops
Girls - Freshman Peplum Tee [on sale]
Women - Peplum Top with Sleeves
[use code: thehessgirls10 for 20% off]
4.| Lounge
Chill Leggings [on sale]
5.| Home
[use code HERO for 15% off]
[use code VETSDAY and QUICK15]
[THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS]
Friday Top Five | Smoothies
03 November 2017
1.| Raspberry Kefir Smoothie
3⁄4 cup Raspberry Kefir
1⁄2 cup strawberries
1⁄2 frozen banana
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp flaxseeds
ice as desired
Blend & Enjoy!
2.| Banana Mango Avacado
1 banana, frozen
1 cup mango chunks
1 cup spinach
½ medium avocado
1 cup of milk
Splash of vanilla extract
Few drops of stevia extract or another sweetener (optional)
Blend & Enjoy!
3.| Cinnamon Roll
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (or 2-3 drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil)
1 frozen banana
Blend & Enjoy!
4.| Wild Orange Strawberry Trim Shake
1 scoop vanilla cream trim shake
3⁄4 cup milk
1⁄2 cup strawberries
1⁄2 frozen banana
1 drop Wild Orange Essential Oil
Blend & Enjoy!
{Copy Cat}
5.| Tropical Smoothie Café 'Blimey Limey'
2 tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp orange juice
¼ c. strawberries, fresh or frozen
¼ c. pineapples, fresh or frozen
¼ to ½ c. water, to preference.
Blend & Enjoy!
Top 5 Favorite Peach Recipes
11 August 2017
Happy Friday Friends!
There's nothing like the taste of fresh peaches, and truth be told I'm not a canned peach person so I literally wait all year long for these sweet babies to come into season! This summer I've been trying to make a more conscious effort to preserve foods for the winter months and I anxiously await a time when the girls can help out with the peeling and chopping because, it's a lot of work! Two weeks ago when I saw a local stand put out their sign for PEACHES I immediately stopped and picked up a box of Red Haven's, then while Aaron was in the Midwest last week he brought home a box of Colorado peaches. I'm not sure on the exact variety of these but they are more yellow in color and have an amazing flavor!
Next, it was time to figure out what to do with all of those delicious peaches. First, I sliced up a ton and froze them in bags for smoothies. Then I decided to try out peach jam for the first time. I had really great success with my strawberry jam this year that I decided to give it a go. Now, I'm not a fan of the flavor of peach jam alone (maybe that has something to do with not liking the taste of canned peaches) so I decided on a Blackberry-Peach freezer jam! I literally just pulled out a loaf of Dutch Oven bread, slathered on the jam and it was like summer and heaven in my mouth all at once.
Next, I decided to really go outside of my comfort zone and try my hand at making a Zesty Peach Barbecue Sauce. It is super zesty but the taste will remind me of summer all winter long! I currently have mozzarella stuffed meatballs in the crock pot covered with this stuff, I can't wait to try it. Then I tried out a recommended recipe from a sweet friend for Peach Melba Popsicles...holy moly, they are amazing! Also, for dinner one evening this week I made my first Dutch Baby also known as a german pancake. It's made in a cast iron skillet (I love cooking in cast iron). When it was time to serve it I drizzled mine with maple syrup and dusted it with powdered sugar while the rest of my family topped it with vanilla ice cream.
Then, after having plenty of bags of sliced peaches I chose to whip up some peach puree (I also do this with my watermelon during the summer). I just blend sliced peaches in a blender until smooth, they are naturally a watery (word?) fruit so you should be able to get them to blend on their own juices, if you need to add something you can add a tad of water or OJ. Once blended fill ice cube trays and freeze, after their frozen pop them into a freezer bag and store them until you want to add it to a recipe or cocktail!
1.|| Blackberry Peach Jam - recipe from: Yesterday on Tuesday
2.|| Zesty Peach Barbecue Sauce - recipe from: Ball-Fresh Perserving
(you will need to blend some of the peaches down, I used my immersion blender to break down the chunks)
3.|| Peach Melba Popsicles - recipe from: Smitten Kitten
( I used these popsicles molds)
4.|| Fresh Peach Dutch Baby - recipe from: Macheesmo
5.|| Peach Butter - recipe from: The View from Great Island
Have a wonderful weekend.
xo - Tiffany
National Watermelon Day
01 August 2017
I'm a sucker for a good national holiday, especially when it involves one of my favorite foods.
Tomorrow, August 3rd is National Watermelon Day! Like, I seriously love watermelon, l-o-v-eee it! It's by far my favorite summer flavor. So naturally, I rounded up a bunch of watermelon products and tested out a few recipes to share with you!
1.) Ceramic Watermelon Planter - This handpainted stoneware planter would be the perfect accent to your patio decor and it simply screams summer!
2.) Watermelon Door Mat - Another perfect addition to our outdoor living space.
3.) Watermelon Slice Bottle Stopper - I'm a sucker for a cute wine bottle stopper
4.) Watermelon Cocktail Napkin Set - I love the brand Meri Meri for party supplies and these napkins are great for your watermelon themed bash!
5.) 2016 Cocomero Rosé - This wine has notes of a peach ring, strawberry, watermelon, it pairs well with poultry, salad, bbq. Which is perfect for summer! Try Winc and get $20 off of your first order.
6.) Watermelon Mint Iced Tea - Is there anything more refreshing than iced tea on a hot summer day? How about watermelon mint flavored iced tea?
7.) Watermelon Feta Salad - A friend turned me on to this recipe and it was been a staple for me, I could sit and eat this for hours it's that amazing. I'm not a huge fan of feta but in this combination, the flavors compliment each other so well!
8.) Watermelon Crush - Orange Crush, you're on the bench for the summer. Watermelon crush, suit up! Try this for a twist on an old classic.
What are some of your favorite watermelon products or recipes?
xo - Tiffany
5 Junk Food Hacks and Alternatives
21 July 2017
Ava:
"Mom! I'm hungry!"
"Mom, can we have a snack?"
Charlotte:
"Snacky, Snacky!"
"My tummy is growling, can I have a...SNACK?"
Do your kids sound like mine? They are serial snackers and would prefer to snack all day instead of sitting for an actual meal. It drives me a bit looney. And, I get it, I like to snack too but I feel the snacking can get a bit out and hand at times and I'd rather fuel them with good, nutritious, and wholesome foods. So below I'm going to list a few of our "junk food" or "snack food" hacks and alternatives. And for the sake of full disclosure here there are times that junk foods sneak through, it's all about the balance right? ha ha! These are mostly healthy kid’s snack substitutions but they work well for the whole family and I threw in my favorite snack alternative at the end {the one I break out when my little dragons angels are in bed for the night}.
1. Cheese Crackers
[ Homemade Cheese Crisps instead of Cheez Its ]
We were having dinner at a friends house one evening and they had these awesome cheese crisps sitting out on the table, they were homemade and delicious! The girls and Aaron went nuts over them. I asked her what her secret was and she shared her recipe with me. They are a great alternative to cheez its which my kids love, and not going to lie so, do I...
They. can. be. so. addicting. Am I right?! But, here's a healthier alternative to try:
Homemade Cheese Crisps
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Add cheese slices leaving about 1/2 inch between. I slice down cheddar from our milk co-op. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until browned. Using a paper towel, dab each cheese slice to absorb the oil. Leaving cheese on parchment paper, transfer to wire rack to cool. Will crisp once completely cool. Enjoy!
2. Snack Bars
[ Clif Kid Z Bars instead of Chewy Bars ]
These Clif Kid bars have almost zero cons, they taste great...I even like them better than the regular Clif bars. They are a filling snack option or when paired with fruit and milk can be a decent fast breakfast for on-the-go mornings. They come several different flavors; S’mores, Chocolate Chip, Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Iced Lemon Cookie and Chocolate Brownie (my girl's favorite). They are a tad pricey but I watch for sales at my local store and then grab a couple boxes but a better way to get a deal on these is to buy them in bulk. You can buy an 18 count box off of Amazon for around $11.11-$11.96. That makes the bars about .61-.66 cents per bar. They have 3g of fiber and I don't feel guilty handing these over to them.
3. Popsicles
[ Homemade Ice Pops instead of Store Bought Popsicles ]
I don't always make homemade popsicles for the girls, if I don't have the time I will buy the Outshine brand, they have a fruit and veggie kids line. Also, I'm obsessed with their watermelon pops that are new for the season. You can find my favorite pop maker's here and here, this is what I use when I whip up a batch of freezer pops. Below are also two recipes we like, one suitable for the family and one thats adult only! Did someone say, boozy pops!?
[For the family]
Watermelon Lime Pops
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut water
1/3 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons honey or agave
4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
Directions:
Place coconut water, lime juice, and honey in a blender and mix to combine.
Place the watermelon into the syrup. Blend until smooth.
Carefully fill popsicle molds and insert sticks. Freeze until firm.
[For adults]
Champagne and Fruit Pops
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Barefoot Bubbly Berry Fusion
3/4 cup Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry Champagne
8-10 oz of mixed berries, apples and pomegranate arils
Directions:
Fill half of popsicles wells half way up with Barefoot Bubbly Berry Fusion and the other popsicles wells half way up with Bubbly Extra Dry Champagne. Layer each well with a variety of fruit. Cover top of popsicle mold with foil. Create a hole in the center of each well just large enough to insert a popsicle stick; insert popsicle stick. Transfer to freezer and chill until frozen solid, about 2-4 hours (time may vary according to freezer type and how full it is).
4. Mac & Cheese
[ Butternut Squash Mac instead of Kraft ]
I grew up loving Kraft mac and cheese, and I won't lie I do make it occasionally for the girls if I'm in a rush or not feeling overly ambitious (I do throw in some peas to make myself feel better about serving it). A few months ago I found this recipe and alternative for a healthier mac and cheese, I made it and every single person in this house loved it! The secret weapon in this recipe? Butternut Squash! Try it, I promise you will not regret it.
1 and ½ cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
3-4 cups cubed butternut squash, peeled and de-seeded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup vegetable broth
¾ cup milk
1 and ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
Optional: fresh parsley
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium low heat.
Meanwhile, peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds. Cut into large chunks. (or buy pre-cut or frozen butternut squash)
Boil the squash until completely tender and then drain. Place the squash in the blender with the butter, lots of salt, pepper, broth, paprika, and milk.
Pulse until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the cooked noodles and add the cheese. Stir until melted.
Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with parsley if desired.
5. Ice cream
[ Halo Top instead of Ben & Jerry's ]
I love ice cream, support those dairy farmers! (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) Ben & Jerry's has always been my favorite, from Phish Food to Strawberry Cheesecake but after seeing Halo Top and their cute little pint's in the grocery store freezer section (marketing is everything) I decided to give into the hype and try this low-calorie, high-protein "healthy" ice cream. The first one I bought was the Birthday Cake. I devoured it in minutes and was amazed at how much it tasted like traditional ice cream. Afterward, I decided to check up on the brand and see if it really is a healthy as the company claims and there really is no contest, this brand is currently blowing all of the other ice cream brands out of the water in almost every important nutritional category. Birthday Cake & Red velvet are my current favorites but I'm looking to try more of their flavors including the Oatmeal Cookie!
Happy Friday!
xo- Tiffany
Friday Top Five - My Summer Essentials
14 July 2017
Happy FriYAY!
Today I'm sharing 'my' favorite summer essentials but since I have more than just 5 favorite summer items I'm going to be splitting this into two separtate posts. Next week I'll share my five other favorite summer essentials.
Enjoy!
[1.]
Today I'm sharing 'my' favorite summer essentials but since I have more than just 5 favorite summer items I'm going to be splitting this into two separtate posts. Next week I'll share my five other favorite summer essentials.
Enjoy!
[1.]
What can I say about these flip flops except they're, AMAZING? Seriously, after I tried these I threw away every single old navy flip that I had and never, ever looked back. They are comfortable enough that I can spend an entire day in them, like an entire day in them walking around a place like Disney World. That's a successful flip-flop, my friend. My favorite colors for this summer are the Rose Gold & Mint.
'Less is best' when it comes to my summer makeup routine but the one thing I can not leave the house without is some sort of under-eye correction. I mean, with three kids ages five and under it's not always easy to look naturally refreshed so mama usually needs some help. So until I find that rockstar eye cream that erases time and makes me look like I get a solid 9 hours of sleep a night dreaming of unicorns and puppies, I'll be using this. The BIG plus with this specific eye corrector compared to its competitors is the consistency isn't smooth, not cakey and it doesn't make me look like a feral raccoon.
[3.]
Ocean Salt from Lush
This is my all time favorite scrub! Head to toe, it will make you glow. Catchy right? I should have gone into jingles as a profession. But honestly, it smells like heaven which I imagine smells like, the beach. It brightens skin and leaves it feeling silky soft.
[4.]
Bikini Bag
This wet bag is the most adorable thing I've seen all summer. I've gotten so many compliments on it and it was perfect for our first week of swim classes since Charlotte hates to stay in her wet suit once she's out of the pool.
[5.]
AEO Tomgirl Short
These shorts are HOT this summer, the site has restocked them not once but twice this season because of their high demand.. and for this last restock they came back 'on sale' for less than $20. Seriously, go gobble up a pair before they are gone forever!
Tune in next friday for some more of 'my' favorites!
[3.]
Ocean Salt from Lush
This is my all time favorite scrub! Head to toe, it will make you glow. Catchy right? I should have gone into jingles as a profession. But honestly, it smells like heaven which I imagine smells like, the beach. It brightens skin and leaves it feeling silky soft.
[4.]
Bikini Bag
This wet bag is the most adorable thing I've seen all summer. I've gotten so many compliments on it and it was perfect for our first week of swim classes since Charlotte hates to stay in her wet suit once she's out of the pool.
[5.]
AEO Tomgirl Short
These shorts are HOT this summer, the site has restocked them not once but twice this season because of their high demand.. and for this last restock they came back 'on sale' for less than $20. Seriously, go gobble up a pair before they are gone forever!
Tune in next friday for some more of 'my' favorites!
Friday Top Five - Mountains Style
07 July 2017
This weekend we are headed to our family mountain house with our girls, their godparents and family to relax and celebrate Charlotte's 3rd birthday. We have a lot planned and it includes... relaxing; and lots of it. The guys have been going non-stop on the farm over the past few weeks now and they are in need of a break and some undivided family time. So, off to the mountains we go!
Our girls truly love it there and it has come a long way over the past four years since my father-in-law purchased it. I remember the weekend trips where we would sleep on mattresses in the middle of construction dust, drywall debris, etc. The girls used to sit on 5-gallon buckets to eat soup from the crockpot in front of the wood stove, we would wash dishes what little dishes we used in bathroom sinks and take water bottle showers in the bathrooms. It's made us truly appreciate how far it's come and what we have now.
For this week's 'Friday Top Five' I wanted to share a few favorites things & recipes for our weekends at the mountains --
[1]
Yeti Roadie 20
First of all, the newest member of our Yeti arsenal, the Roadie cooler — it'll set you back about two Benjamins but it's totally worth it. It holds hold's up to 14 cans with recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. It's easy to throw on the back of the ATV and head down to the creek for an afternoon of fishing and skipping rocks with the kids. It has a no sweat design and rotomolded construction.
**It's a great gift idea, wink, wink.
[2.]
Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
I'm always looking for foil packet ideas for on the grill. I definitely use the kitchen now that one has been installed but there's honestly nothing like a meal off of a charcoal grill at the mountains. Plus we let the charcoals simmer after dinner and then the girls roast their marshmallows for smores, or more like they eat the marshmallow (get all sticky) and leave the chocolate and graham cracker behind...this I will never understand.
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball
Another recipe that I'm going to try out this weekend is this cheese ball, I really wanted us to have buffalo chicken dip to snack on but it's going to be a warm weekend and I thought the idea of this would be more convenient and appetizing.
Yeti Roadie 20
First of all, the newest member of our Yeti arsenal, the Roadie cooler — it'll set you back about two Benjamins but it's totally worth it. It holds hold's up to 14 cans with recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. It's easy to throw on the back of the ATV and head down to the creek for an afternoon of fishing and skipping rocks with the kids. It has a no sweat design and rotomolded construction.
**It's a great gift idea, wink, wink.
[2.]
Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
I'm always looking for foil packet ideas for on the grill. I definitely use the kitchen now that one has been installed but there's honestly nothing like a meal off of a charcoal grill at the mountains. Plus we let the charcoals simmer after dinner and then the girls roast their marshmallows for smores, or more like they eat the marshmallow (get all sticky) and leave the chocolate and graham cracker behind...this I will never understand.
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Ball
Another recipe that I'm going to try out this weekend is this cheese ball, I really wanted us to have buffalo chicken dip to snack on but it's going to be a warm weekend and I thought the idea of this would be more convenient and appetizing.
[3.]
We (mostly I) love a good game, card game, board game, marbles, you name it. Aaron usually has to be cohorts into playing but doesn't put up too much of a fight when someone whips out Cards Against Humanity. This past winter I saw a game advertised on Amazon, it said if you like CAH then you are sure to enjoy this one also. It works really well if you know the people you are playing with REALLY WELL. Haha! "Each round, vote anonymously for the player that is described by the question. The votes are tallied and the true nature of your friendships is revealed."
[4.]
[4.]
So, while you're playing The Voting Game, CAH or anything really you can pass around a tasty adult beverage. I haven't tried this recipe yet but I never met a margarita that I didn't like; this recipe will make enough for a pitcher in the fridge for no fuss easy access.
[5.]
Bug Catching Kit & Bug Spray Recipe
[5.]
Bug Catching Kit & Bug Spray Recipe
And for the kids- a bug catching kit! They will spend hours doing this and the mountains is an incredible place to find lots of BUGS. Especially ladybugs, worms, and this time of year lightening bugs; there's a ton! And for the bugs that can't be caught and solely like to bite the legs and arms of your little dears, I whip up and take along a spray bottle of bug repellant oils.
DIY Bug Spray:
2 oz witch hazel
2 oz distilled water
8 drops lavender
8 drops geranium
8 drops spearmint
[tips]
shake the bug spray before you use it and avoid spraying on face
avoid touching eyes and mouth if you have bug spray on your fingers
for young kids under 2, spray onto their clothes (not on their skin)
DIY Bug Spray:
2 oz witch hazel
2 oz distilled water
8 drops lavender
8 drops geranium
8 drops spearmint
[tips]
shake the bug spray before you use it and avoid spraying on face
avoid touching eyes and mouth if you have bug spray on your fingers
for young kids under 2, spray onto their clothes (not on their skin)
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo- Tiffany
xo- Tiffany
Friday Top Five
30 June 2017
I currently have a 5 month old {my favorite age in that first year} so I thought for this week's 'Friday Top Five' I would share my favorite picks for the 4-6 month age range. At five months Naomi's reaching with both hands, grasping things and holding them using all fingers; like fistfuls of her sister's hair {they are none too please with this development}. She's mimics the sounds that we make and Aaron swears that she's already making the 'dada' sound; she doesn't but I'll let him think that. Is there anything that you just love for your 4-6 month old? Feel free to share them with me!
1.) OXO Tot Sprout High Chair
Not only does this high chair carry your child through infant, toddler and youth it also features tool-free adjustments for seat and tray. It has a 5-point harness, promotes good posture, easy to clean with removable cushions and a tray that helps keep messes contained while featuring a large button that makes one-handed tray removal a breeze.
2.) Skip Hop Explore More Baby's View 3-Stage Activity Center
Now, not only is this activity center great for this age but it also has a grow-with-me feature and turns into a sturdy table for toddlers to play at, it has a discovery window that allows them to watch their feet as they play with the piano and 360-degree rotating seat.
Not only does this high chair carry your child through infant, toddler and youth it also features tool-free adjustments for seat and tray. It has a 5-point harness, promotes good posture, easy to clean with removable cushions and a tray that helps keep messes contained while featuring a large button that makes one-handed tray removal a breeze.
2.) Skip Hop Explore More Baby's View 3-Stage Activity Center
Now, not only is this activity center great for this age but it also has a grow-with-me feature and turns into a sturdy table for toddlers to play at, it has a discovery window that allows them to watch their feet as they play with the piano and 360-degree rotating seat.
Unicorns are everywhere right now so this pick is pretty self explanatory! It's cute and perfect for you're freshly bathed babe.
My girls have all loved touch and feel soft books, they are usually light weight for tiny hands and bright so they're visually stimulating. I love this 'Sea' theme; it also hooks onto the car seat or stroller for on the go reading.
My sister in law introduced me to these books while on a trip to Chicago and ever since I've loved them! Babies and toddlers can run their fingers across the 3D images for touch stimulation and the color choices are always on point. Plus the outward design is visually pleasing and makes for great bookshelf display. {Bonus: Because this series is simple enough Ava and Charlotte love to read them to Naomi}
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