chanelmovingforward

Stay-At-Home Date Night + Giveaway!

July 20, 2017

I don’t know about you, but after a long hot summer day outside, the last thing I want to do is get all dressed up to go out for a date night. My husband and I try really hard to get out for the occasional night alone together, but these days that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes it’s just easier to put the kids to bed a tad early, throw on your favorite lounge clothes, and enjoy quality time together. Dates don’t always have to be an extravagant evening out. There are major benefits of staying at home: you save money on a babysitter, don’t have to worry about driving at night or after you’ve had a few drinks, and don’t have to spend a fortunate at a fancy restaurant. Date nights shouldn’t be looked at like a luxury that some dread, they should be an essential part of your marriage. Whether you’ve been married four months, four years, or four decades, setting aside time together should be an essential part of your relationship. If you are in a long distance relationship, hey bracelet offers a solution that can help you strengthen the relationship between you and your partner.

My idea of a perfect date night at home involves no kids, a great movie or music, and a laid back atmosphere. My husband is my best friend and we are fortunate enough to enjoy a lot of the same things. When we first started dating we would always cook dinner together and watch a movie while we ate. It became our evening ritual after work and was a great way to enjoy each others company without having to feel the need to talk endlessly about our work day. Our nights are now centered around spending time with the kids, feeding them dinner, bathing them and putting them in their bed 20+ times a night. Usually after all that we are too exhausted to do anything but pass out after watching a quick show. Now that summer is in full effect and the days are longer, we have definitely made a pact to enjoy more quality time together. Our new favorite thing to do is get a fun dessert to enjoy together. You know I am a huge fan of places and companies that deliver and now we can get any of our favorite Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes delivered right to our front door!

Harry & David is the exclusive online retailer for The Cheesecake Factory. For those who don’t live near a store, it’s a great option for gifts or some cheesecake for yourself! My husband and I love to order one of their famous cheesecakes to enjoy together (and maybe save some for the kids too). They are offering $5-flat rate shipping with code FIVECAKE from 7/21/17 to 7/31/17. The Cheesecake Factory is offering Any Slice, Half Price* on July 30th and 31st. *Offer valid July 30th and 31st 2017, for dine-in only. Only one slice per guest. Must be present. Offer valid in the U.S. including Puerto Rico.

Now onto the amazing giveaway! I’ve teamed up with Harry & David and The Cheesecake Factory to giveaway 3 prizes! Two winners will each receive a $50 gift card to The Cheesecake Factory and one winner will receive a cheesecake that Harry & David will ship from The Cheesecake Factory. Entering is easy and quick! Good luck, friends!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post is sponsored by Harry & David. As always, all opinions are my own.*

Tips for Surviving Road Trips with Kids

July 17, 2017

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.

In a few days we will be going on our last vacation for the summer! I cannot believe how fast this break has gone by and how I will have a child in kindergarten in exactly 3 weeks (cue all the tears). To really soak up the end of summer, we are heading to north Georgia this week for a fun little getaway. Traveling with kids is usually pretty stressful but today I am sharing with you my survival strategies that I have mastered over the past 5 years! Just quickly imagine what school trips to activities like Allnatt Outdoors and many others are like for parents that attend to help and the teachers also, no thank you?!

Be sure to load all your favorite movies, songs and audiobooks on your devices. Take a look at kids videos for kids on YouTube, there’s plenty there to keep them entertained for hours on end! My husband and I love using Audible while the kids are napping or watching movies in the back. There are so many books I have been dying to read but I honestly just don’t have the time. With Audible I am able to pick thousands of books to choose from and listen whenever fits my schedule. If you have an upcoming road trip planned then you must visit Audible.com for a free 1-month trial and start checking books off your reading list.

Pack Snacks – The most important thing when traveling with kids. I cannot stress enough how much kids eat while sitting in car seats for long periods of time. We always bring a cooler with water, milk boxes, juice boxes, pouches, and other healthy snacks for the kids. My husband and I don’t need to snack that often but when we do, we want to choose healthy options that keep us awake and alert. Chop Snacks jerky is a great go-to snack when you need something in between meals. It’s easy to eat, not messy and full of protein which keeps us satisfied longer. It’s all-natural, USDA Choice Beef Brisket and oh so delicious. They are available on Amazon and their website. You can get 20% off your first order with Code 5CHN79Z7Q1BE at Chop Snacks.

Stop for Breaks – One thing I love the most about road trips is all the amazing nature and cute towns we pass. The photographer in me loves to pull over for some great photo opts and it’s perfect so kids can let off steam. We also choose to get out of the car for meals instead of drive through because greasy food just weighs us down and makes everyone feel bad. IHOP is the perfect family friendly restaurant to stop at with more than 500 locations nationwide. The kids love getting pancakes and I love that they have gluten-free options (just be sure to order Crack Eggs in your omelet so they know not to add pancake batter). Tomorrow, July 18, IHOP turns 59 years old and they’re throwing the ultimate pancake party! From 7 am to 7 pm, IHOP is treating guests to a 59 cent short stack of pancakes. Just visit any IHOP restaurant across the U.S. to enjoy!

Have Zero Expectations – If life with kids has taught me anything, it’s that nothing ever goes to plan. You may expect your 3 hour road trip to take 3 hours but in reality, it’ll probably take 5. Between bathroom breaks, meals, leg stretching and sight seeing, you’re bound to tack on a few hours. Try and go into your trip with an open mind because things will come up. The more okay you are with change, the less stressed out you’ll be. Trust me, I’ve had to learn this the hard way because I am not one who deals with change very easily! It’s okay to break the rules a bit if it means a better car ride for everyone.

Bring Backups – One good thing about traveling by car is that you’re not limited to space in a suitcase. In addition to packing all the essentials we need, we also have an emergency box that always remains in our car. It contains scissors, lighters, blankets, a first aid kit, reflectors and T-Rex® Tape. You never know when you’re going to run into a situation where duct tape is needed. A few years ago while on an eight hour road trip with an 18 month old, the iPad holder that attaches to the back of my headrest broke two hours into the trip. You better believe I taped that sucker to the headrest using duct tape. T-Rex® Tape is super-durable, extra-thick, sun-resistant and holds stronger than other utility tapes, in all kinds of weather. We keep it in the car at all times!

Games & Distractions – Even if you are against screen time, you will need an iPad or portable DVD player for any trip longer than 2 hours. Besides, anything is better than screaming! I also pack small toys, magna doodles, stickers and some brain teasers like the Cube-Tastic 3×3 Puzzle Cube. It’s like a modern day Rubik’s cube but with rounded edges for tiny hands. You can save 15% on your order with the code CUBETRIP on their website. Henry, who just turned 5, loves it and it really helps calm him down and focus which are skills he will definitely need when starting school!

What are some of your sanity saving suggestions for road trips with kids? Leave them in the comments below and happy travels!

SaveSave

Mini Style: Bang Bang Copenhagen

July 14, 2017

Childhood is too short to wear boring clothes. This blog was founded because I wanted unique and stylish clothing for baby boys and was so sick of the options out there. When Henry was about 6 months old I began researching endlessly to find practical and stylish clothing that wasn’t on every child we saw. That research never really stopped and I love coming across brands that bring something different to the table. Bang Bang Copenhagen is what my kid fashion dreams are made of. This Danish brands eclectic use of prints, patterns and color allow kids to express their individuality. They design for the contemporary parent who wants something a little more. How can you even look at this polka dot dress and not want to get it in every size? I secretly love when kids dress like mini adults and their boy and girl lines have me wanting everything. This leotard literally makes my heart race because I immediately start accessorizing it in my head with fun shoes and knee high socks. Grab some coffee, put the kids down for a nap, and immerse yourself in the world that is Bang Bang Copenhagen. They are also having a sale right now so you can snag several of their items. I’ll be sharing more of their amazing clothing in the upcoming weeks so be sure to follow along here and on Instagram for some sneak peeks!

Henry’s Shirt, Shorts, Shoes // Evelyn’s Dress

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Family Travel Guide: Nashville, TN

July 7, 2017

I can’t believe it’s already been a month since our Nashville trip. It seems like just yesterday we were exploring this beautiful city. There is so much to do and see that we couldn’t possibly fit everything into our trip, unfortunately. My husband and I are planning a trip back there this Fall with just the two of us but in the meantime, I am so excited to share our weekend away with you so let’s dive in!

Where to Stay

Nashville has tons of beautiful hotels but when traveling with kids (and everything they need), renting a home is a much better option. We went with this Airbnb and it ended up being perfect. I have to admit that I booked it based solely on the decor and how cute the photos looked. The house has a huge fenced in grass lot where the kids could have some popsicles and play outside to burn off energy. There was also a splash pad and playground down the street from our rental which was perfect letting the kids get some playtime before turning in the for evening. If you’re a new Airbnb user, you can sign up with my code and save $40 on your first stay.

Where to Play

Nashville Zoo – I loved this zoo for many reasons. First, there is SO much shade which makes the hot summer days more bearable. Also, the admission prices are some of the lowest I have ever seen for a zoo so you can have a nice family outing and not spend a fortune. It is very kid-friendly with a jungle gym and places to pet animals. I never thought I would be able to pet kangaroos or see them up close in my lifetime.

Nashville Shores – If your schedule allows, buy online tickets for entry after 4pm. The weather is cooler, the tickets are cheaper, and wear the kids out before bedtime! We loved going at this time because the weather had cooled down a tad and a lot of people had packed up and gone home. There is a lazy river, awesome wave pool, and amazing splash pad with slides. My kids never wanted to leave and even my husband and I had a blast.

Nashville Farmers’ Market – I wish we would have brought a cooler with us or lived closer because this market had the best produce, meat, cheese, and drinks. My favorite was the pink coffee truck which had the best iced lattes ever. There is an indoor food hall with air conditioning and several different cuisine options. The famous Amelia’s Flower Truck sets up shop here often too and you cannot miss her! {900 Rosa Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208}

Where to Take Pictures

Nashville is flooded with amazing murals and beautiful walls. We didn’t have time to visit all of them, but we definitely stopped by I Believe in Nashville, 2706 12th Avenue South, Draper James Stripes, 2707 12th Avenue South, What Lifts You Wings, 302 11th Avenue South – The Gulch. Geometric Wall, 11th Avenue South & Laurel Street. Here is a list of more murals to visit. Luckily the 4 murals we saw were at the same 2 locations, so if you’re planning a mural fun day, be sure to map them out so you don’t miss any near you!

Where to Eat

Kitchen Notes – We had breakfast here Friday and it was to die for. Read my full review here!

Five Daughters Bakery – The best donuts in town are without a doubt served here. Their combination of flavors and textures are beyond what my tastebuds thought they could handle. There are also paleo and vegan options which I will be sure to try next time. Fun fact: There is a donut cam you can check on before you come so you know what donuts are in stock. Pretty cool, right? The shop is also super adorable and great for photos. If weather permits, eat your donuts outside on their front patio and do some people watching.

Mas Tacos – This is authentic Mexican to a T in East Nashville. The portions are huge and everything is fresh and original with vegetarian options too. They also serve beer which is needed with two small kids in tow. You’ll see all kinds of people here so don’t be intimidated! It’s laid back and kid friendly with indoor and outdoor seating. TIP: Be sure to bring cash because they don’t take cards.

I Dream of Weenie – This is the cutest hot dog food truck that is made out of an old WV van. There are picnic tables with umbrellas next to it so you don’t have to stand in the sun with kids trying to eat a hot dog. Try the jalapeño dog and the mac and cheese dog. OR, go for the pictures alone! It’s adorable.

Burger Up – We ate here our first night because it was so close to our house. Do not go here without ordering the fried mac and cheese bites. All the beef is sourced locally and the service was so outstanding and stood out as the most memorable from our trip. There’s a large patio where most of the families gathered which was nice because I didn’t have to worry about the kids being loud. There is a ton of seating inside too so I doubt anyone would ever have a long wait.

Biscuit Love – The line is worth the wait but if you can get there before it opens, do so. We had to wait in line about 30 minutes which basically feels like 12 hours with two kids. By the time we had finished breakfast, the line was 3 times as long. Of course you’ll need to order the famous Bonuts for the table (Fried Biscuit Dough, Lemon Mascarpone, Blueberry Compote). I ordered the Bill Neal: Cheese Grits, Gulf Shrimp, Mushrooms, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lemon Tabasco Sauce & Green Onion. It was incredible and my mouth is salivating right now thinking about it. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

We had the best long weekend ever and it was so fun to explore the city with the kids. They are getting so much better at traveling with us and our hope is to start taking them places more. Have you been to Nashville with kids? What was your favorite part to explore?

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Create 5 Healthy Habits Now

July 5, 2017

This past month has been a huge eye opener into my health. I’ve been adjusting to a new diet, figuring out what supplements to take for my overall wellness, making sure there are disinfectant wipes at home and at work, and trying to make lifelong commitment that actually stick. Below are 5 simple and easy ways to improve your health & wellness daily without making huge changes to your daily routine.

The circulatory system is your heart and blood vessels, and it’s essential to keeping your body functioning. This finely tuned system carries oxygen, nutrients, electrolytes, and hormones throughout your body. Interruptions, blockage, or diseases that affect how your heart or blood vessels pump blood can cause complications such as heart disease or stroke. According to doctors, complications can arise due to a variety of factors, from genetics to lifestyle, to learn more visit their website at the link. Read on to learn more about the types circulatory system diseases and disorders and what their symptoms are.

Drink More Water – I know, telling someone to drink more water is like beating a dead horse. We all know how important it is but it’s so hard sometimes (okay, most of the time). And maybe some people don’t want to drink water because they feel something heavy in their stomach every time they drink water, maybe because of the poor water filtration system? Thankful of the Hydroviv water filter, that removes the water contaminants. I am so guilty of not drinking enough water and always forget. By the time I remember to drink water I haven’t had any for the entire day and it feels so overwhelming to drink so much at once. To help remind me to drink more throughout the day, I downloaded the free Daily Water app so I could set alarms and alerts. It has made all the difference because nothing makes you feel rundown and tired like dehydration.

SLEEP – As a mother, I cannot stress enough how important sleep is, for our own sanity. Did you know that getting less than 6 hours a night can increase your risk of colon cancer? Not only can lack of sleep affect your overall health and make you prone to serious medical conditions but you can also develop obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. I have a strict 10pm bedtime to ensure I get 8+ hours. Luckily my kids have been sleeping in so I have felt extra refreshed in the morning. Heart disease, which is caused by sleep deprivation, can also be caused by corona artery disease according to Carolina Cardiology Associates: coronary artery disease.

Add Probiotics to your daily routine – I absolutely hate to swallow pills because they usually smell awful and in turn most of them taste unpleasant too. I was very excited to try Sho Nutrition’s probiotics after coming across them a few months ago. These probiotics are vegan and gluten-free which are perfect for me since I recently had to cut out gluten and dairy. There are no artificial colors or flavors, wheat, nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, sweeteners and they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acid to help keep the digestive tract smooth, and immunity strong. The dark green color comes from super food spirulina which helps boost your gut and immunity power with its potent antioxidant effects. I have definitely noticed less bloat in my stomach since taking these and my gut feels better overall.

Get Moving – Trust me, I am one of the laziest people out there so I know how obnoxious this advice sounds. I hate working out and sweating and going to the gym just doesn’t interest me. With two active kids at home, I have been making more of an effort to put my phone down and be active with them. Even if it means running around the house for 15 minutest playing hide and seek or taking them to our local indoor play area, those times can add up to an hour or more movement a day which is far more than what I was doing before. It’s also important to do some fitness classes regularly and beat yourself up at the gym using the Biofit supplements.

Take your Vitamins – I few weeks ago I had some blood work done to see what my deficiencies were. My testosterone and progesterone were super low and I’m deficient in vitamin B12 and vitamin D which explains why I am so tired all the time. Sho Nutrition also makes Energy Supplements which have B vitamins, Folate, and Matcha. These are a great alternative for those who can’t have coffee because the minimal caffeine in matcha releases balanced, sustained energy without all the jitters. I kid you not, these little spheres have changed my overall wellness the past month. Every bottle comes with a daily tracking dispenser which makes it so easy to remember. If you are looking for new supplement to energize your body and brain, then head to Sho Nutrition to learn more. You can save 20% on all orders with code CR20!

*This post was sponsored by Sho Nutrition. As always, all opinions are my own*

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

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

SaveSave

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!

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Latest from Instagram