Archives for June 2017

Last Minute Fourth of July Sibling Style

June 30, 2017

Happy Friday! Fourth of July weekend is officially here and I cannot wait to spend some time outdoors grilling up some yummy food and being with friends & family. I am praying the rain holds off because it’s been pouring non-stop here in Atlanta. I wanted to share with you some last minute outfit ideas in case the kiddos don’t have anything festive to wear yet. What’s great about these tops is that they’re both under $10 and you can get them by Monday with express shipping or probably find at your local Target. If you haven’t checked out the adorable circus line for kids at Target then you are missing out. Everything is so adorable and I am loving the vintage prints. Plus, the prices are a steal {their tops are linked below}. I paired both of the kids tops with jeans and shorts already in their closet and of course Henry rarely goes anywhere without his red rain boots. I love how these two have been having more fun together lately. Even though they still fight and bicker like crazy, Evelyn is finally at an age where she can start playing with Henry and he loves to be the boss of all their games. She copies everything he does and wants to be just like him. It really is the cutest thing. Now, if I could only get her to stop repeating all the poopy boy talk, things would be great!

Henry’s Shirt // Henry’s Boots // Evelyn’s Top

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My Wellness Journey: Eliminating Gluten, Dairy, & Nuts

June 26, 2017

It’s been 8 days since I made the biggest change possible when it comes to food. If you follow me on Instagram and watched my stories, you already know that I’ve had to give up a lot of foods due to the sensitivities I have. Food sensitivity is different than having a food allergy. You could be eating things daily that you’re sensitive too and never know it, like I was, until you get tested. Typical food allergy symptoms will show up right away: scratchy throat, hives, swelling, Food allergies trigger the immune system, while food intolerance does not. Have you ever experienced a constant brain fog or moodiness that doesn’t seem to go away? Unable to get motivated, feeling so tried and lethargic (mentally and physically), a constant pain in your joints or muscles? Dark circles, acne or rosacea? Fatigue that never goes away no matter how much sleep you get? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s pretty safe to say you have a food sensitivity and you don’t know it. These have been my symptoms for the past 14 months before I finally decided to make a change. I was tested at Real Health Medical in Roswell, GA by Nancy Masoud who has over 15 years of experience in holistic nutrition, weight management and preventive health. My hair was tested and several vials of blood were drawn to determine which foods I have a sensitivity to, and it’s A LOT. Here is the list:

Brussels Sprouts

Chicken

Clementine

Coffee

Crab

Dairy

Garlic

Gluten

Greek Yogurt

Kale

Kefir

Lamb

Lobster

Nuts

Peanuts

Peppers

Pork

Red Wine

Salmon

Sauerkraut

Shrimp

Tangerine

Tomatoes

Venecin

Wheat

Xylitol

After sharing this list with friends and family, the first question I always get is: “So, what CAN you eat?” Surprisingly, it’s a lot. Thank God I can still have eggs, and I eat those every morning for breakfast. I can also have a ton of vegetables, fruit, cottage cheese, salads, turkey, beef, and fish. My coffee and Diet Coke days are behind me now and trips to the Mexican restaurant look very different (RIP cheese enchiladas with verde salsa). I’ve been having a lot of fun being creative in the kitchen and thinking outside the box. One of my favorite indulgences has been papaya boats. I mix different fruits together to create a breakfast that not only is good to eat, but also looks good. Surprisingly I have been LESS tired since giving up coffee and caffeine, which makes total sense now because coffee is toxic to my system and was bringing me down. I have also noticed my skin is much brighter and more “glowy” even after only 8 days. It used to always look so tired and run down, which I blamed on getting older, but it was actually all those toxins from the foods I was ingesting daily.

I wanted to share some products I’ve found this week which I have been loving. Sometimes I need a snack and get tired of just eating eggs and vegetables. These items below are all GF/DF/NF so if you have a sensitivity to any of those, they’re good to keep around!

Lundberg Brown Rice Cakes – I love how these are lightly salted which are perfect for a snack. There are so many ways you can dress up these cakes and I will be sharing some of my favorite combinations later. Also, there are only 2 ingredients which is amazing. Only 100 calories for 4 squares too!

Ripple Chocolate Milk – I found this at Whole Foods a few days ago and absolutely love the chocolate milk version. It really does taste like the chocolate milk I had growing up. It’s 100% vegan, lactose free, nut free, soy free, gluten free and GMO free. If you’re like me and cannot have nut milk or dairy milk, then this is for you!

Primal Kitchen Mayonnaise with Avocado Oil – I’ve been eating Primal Kitchen products for over 4 years. They make amazing Paleo friendly dressings and oils. Even if you don’t have a food sensitivity, these are much healthier options than the standard condiments sold in stores. I spread some of this on the brown rice cakes or add to my lettuce and ground beef wraps. It tastes incredible and is so good for you.

Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds – When you haven’t had cheese in a week and then taste this dairy free “cheese”, it’s pretty amazing. These shreds actually melt and mimic the cheddar cheese taste. I sprinkle a few on the brown rice cakes and pop in the toaster oven for a minute or two. They’re such a great snack!

Organic Red Lentil Spaghetti – Another two ingredient dupe for traditional pasta. One of the things I have missed the most are my carbs. Bread, cereal, pizza are just memories now and I have to be creative when it comes to finding foods that taste like ones I used to have. This spaghetti is actually pretty decent if you cannot have gluten or wheat.

La Croix – I’ve been drinking these for years and even more so now. I have a hard time drinking plain water and need something with taste. My local Publix usually has these on sale and I stock up our garage refrigerator so I always have them on hand.

I will be sharing more meals, recipes, foods I find and love (and don’t love) on the blog more since I know so many people struggle with finding good things to eat when you’re on a restrictive diet! If you have any questions, feel free to email me or ask in the comments below! Thank you to everyone who has been so encouraging!

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What I’ve Learned in 5 Years of Motherhood

June 22, 2017

In just 6 days, Henry will be FIVE years old. It’s such a big milestone and so bittersweet because these past five years have gone by in a blink of an eye. It’s so cliche to say, but it’s the absolute truth. After five years, I am barely surviving motherhood most days. In honor on Henry’s birthday coming up, I thought I would share five things I’ve learned about motherhood since he came into my life!

As much as you can, TRY to live in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up with things you need to do: Did I pay the power bill? When did I feed the dog? I need to remember toilet paper at the grocery store. What am I making for dinner? Children never ever think about the future or what they did three days ago. They live in the present. All that matters to them is what is happening at that very moment. They know how to just exist in the moment and be content. I wish I could live like that sometimes!

This too shall pass. I tell myself this every night when I pour myself into bed exhausted from the day. Every hard phase that you’re currently in WILL PASS, I promise. Pretty soon the sleepless nights will be a distant memory and you’ll have another set of obstacles to overcome: potty training, temper tantrums, talking back, and not listening in general. Just remember, with every rough patch comes a silver lining. Having wonderful conversations with Henry and seeing how his little mind works is amazing and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Sometimes, it’s OKAY to not want to be around your kids. I have fully embraced this one. The toddler years are NO JOKE. They are harder than those first newborn weeks and harder than fussy babies. Escaping from them for even an hour a day to give your mind some peace can do wonders. I am lucky enough to have a friends who live close by with children the same age and they understand how important a night out can be. Even a trip to the store alone can make you feel like a new woman. I’m also so thankful for my husband and mother who have helped so much in making sure I don’t have a breakdown!

No one has it all figured out. Even after 5 years of parenting, I still don’t know what I’m doing most days. I would describe my parenting style as “winging it”. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t. I usually do what feels right at that exact moment. Whether it be giving the iPad to the kids so I can have 20 minutes of no fighting, or an impromptu water balloon fight to get the kids outdoors. Whatever you’re doing, it’s probably working for you, so don’t compare yourselves to others!

Asking for help does NOT mean you are weak. If you are fortunate enough to have family near by, ask them for help when you need it. When a friend offers to help, take her up on it! I promise she isn’t just saying that to be nice. I loved when my group of girlfriends set up a meal train after baby #2 came. It was so nice not to have to stress about food and making dinner. There are so many services out there which I utilize weekly and wish I knew of 5 years ago. My hands down favorite is getting groceries delivered to my house in under an hour. There are also companies that will come pick up your laundry and dry cleaning too. And let’s not forget how amazing cleaning services are. Mother’s shouldn’t have to bear the weight of all the responsibilities. In addition to services that make your life easier, there is also a wave of baby products and foods designed to help busy moms. Happy Family Clearly Crafted™ pouches are a life saver. With my first baby, I made all of his food and never gave him anything I didn’t make until he was almost a year old. Unfortunately when my second arrived, I didn’t have too much time on my hands with a toddler running around and also working a full time job. Happy Family foods became my go-to for Evelyn and she still eats them today. Happy Family Clearly Crafted™ pouches are full of transparency (literally!), with high-quality, organic ingredients and on-the-go convenience.

Be sure to visit your local Walmart where you can purchase the new flavors: Apples, Guavas & Beets and Apples, Kale & Avocados. Evelyn is obsessed with both of them! Click here to learn more about Happy Baby’s Clearly Crafted™ organic, trustworthy ingredients and their commitment to transparency! So tell me, what is something you’ve learning in motherhood? What advice would you give to your pre-mom self? Let me know in the comments below! xo

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The Importance of Summer Reading & Giveaway!

June 19, 2017

We are going on our fourth week of summer vacation and the kids are getting a little antsy, to put it mildly. It’s been a struggle to come up with new games and activities to keep them occupied and happy. Usually during summer vacation we break our nightly reading routine and replace it for late nights and movies. It’s so important not to forget how beneficial reading is for kids (and adults!) and to keep them learning all summer long so they’re prepared for school, which for us starts in early August. It’s been proven over and over again that children who read don’t just do better at subjects like reading, English and history. They do better at all subjects and they do better all the way through school. Reading is a much more complex task for the human brain and strengthens brain connections and actually builds new connections. I love finding short stories and new books that the kids love and I am so excited share with you one of their favorites today!

The Kings Lockett is a fairy tale was written by Jacob Stull, an Atlanta native, for his two daughters. The story is an allegory, and though simple and short, it has much deeper meaning. The book is intended to be read and discussed as a family, however adults enjoy and benefit as much from the story as children do. This story is full of vivid imagery brought to life by fourteen full-page illustrations. Each illustration depicts an important scene from the book. I love how this is a short story because having a 4-year-old and 2-year-old, their attention span isn’t always the greatest. My kids, especially Evelyn, have the most fun coloring in the adorable coloring book. Evelyn has shown to be my more “creative” child and loves to color and draw so she really took to this coloring book. If you’re looking for an a great book for the whole family, definitely check out The Kings Lockett which can be purchased on Amazon.

Today I have an amazing giveaway for you! The winner will receive a copy of The Kings Lockett, a digital copy of the book, The Kings Lockett coloring book, headphones and 100-count Crayola Colored Pencils. All you have to do is follow the 3 steps below. Giveaway is available to US residents only and ends Thursday June 22 at 9am! Good luck, friends!

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Local Eats: Kitchen Notes, Nashville

June 18, 2017

On our recent trip to Nashville, we had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast at Kitchen Notes inside of the Omni Hotel. It’s a Southern-inspired restaurant with a farm-to-fork philosophy. They use high quality ingredients and partner with regional farms and businesses to bring their menu items to life. Everything they offered was incredible, and they sure offered a lot. Aside from an array of menu choices, they also have a full breakfast buffet, biscuit bar, and cereal bar. If you can envision it, they have it. This was hands down the best buffet I have ever experienced. The Nashville Hot Chicken & Waffle still leaves my mouth watering. From french toast to pastries, we most definitely stuffed ourselves silly.

My kids absolutely loved the cereal bar. Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, and Cheerios. What more could you ask for when you’re 5 years old? Speaking of 5 year olds, Kitchen Notes is very kid friendly but also appropriate for couples, a group of girlfriends, or if you just want fly solo. I especially loved the Southern hospitality from the staff of Kitchen Notes as well as the Omni. Since we were dining inside the hotel, valet was a breeze and so convenient with two toddlers in tow. The restaurant is so elegant, with chic decor and local flea market finds. Even the dishes were beautiful! They take reservations so you have no excuse not to visit (because who has time for a 2 hour wait when you’re starving).

A huge thank you to Kitchen Notes for hosting us during our visit. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough whether you’re a Nashville local or planning a trip soon! Now, excuse me while I try and recreate those chicken & waffles!

*Our meal was provided by Kitchen Notes. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

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Friday Favorites

June 16, 2017

When Friday hits I instantly become a happier person. I absolutely love the weekends and the kids and I are super excited to spoil their dad for Father’s Day! Here are five things that I am absolutely loving lately:

I was sold at Boozy Watermelon Slushies. Definitely making these this weekend!

These perfect nonprescription round readers add that final “touch” to your look and will go with any outfit. I like to wear them when I am running errands to hide my dark circles 🙂

This striped tie down top is seriously my favorite. You can wear it over a dress or a tank and it’s perfect for summer since the fabric is super breathable and lightweight. I love having it tie in the front too!

A few weeks ago I purchased the Age Defying Radiance Cream from Clark’s Botanicals after a friend recommended it. Her words were “It made me feel better about going makeup free!” Well, since I typically always go makeup free I decided to test it out and I am loving my results so far. Yes, the price point is a tad high but as I get older, I have no problem investing in good skincare products!

I usually only wash my hair about once a week. In between shampoos I definitely need a product that can give my hair some life back. The Triple Sec 3-in-1 spray from Drybar creates instant texture, volume, and body. I bought it over 2 months ago and I have been loving it ever since. I have hardly used a dry shampoo because this does so much more. It gives my hair grit without it feeling dirty!

So tell me, what are your favorites lately? Share them in the comments below! You know I love finding new items to enjoy! Cheers to the weekend, make it a good one!!

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Hot Town, Summer in the City

June 13, 2017

There isn’t anything greater than indulging in homemade ice cream on a blazing hot day. Luckily for us (not), Atlanta has these probably 80% of the year. We really don’t have seasons anymore, it’s either extremely hot or in the low 70’s. Thankfully there isn’t a shortage of outdoor spots to spend some time at on these days. There is the cutest ice cream “shop” near us called the Frosty Caboose. If you’re in Atlanta than you have probably heard of it because it’s been around for the past 8 years. It’s pretty easy to get to regardless if you live in the burbs or near the city. The concept of Frosty Caboose is novel, with 80’s music playing out of their speakers and the actual ice cream shop in a cute little red caboose. They have a wide variety of treats, including milk shakes, 36 flavors of ice cream at all times, gelato, italian ice, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. My absolute favorite is the Georgia Crossing: 2 scoops peach ice cream, whipped cream, crushed peanuts and a cherry. It’s located just steps away from the train tracks and the kids love sitting and watching the train cars slowly roll past. They can also climb up the red caboose and enjoy their ice cream while parents take 100 adorable photos of them, because what is cuter than little kids with messy ice cream faces? Don’t worry, there is a water spout at the back of the caboose where you can hose them off if need be (which happens every time with mine). Do you have any go-to places around your town that you love to explore? Let me know in the comments below! I am always daydreaming of our next vacation and love finding hidden gems. Happy Tuesday, friends!