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Making Mealtime Easier with HelloFresh

December 6, 2016

Last week my family and I had the pleasure of trying HelloFresh, a weekly meal service which delivers seasonal farm fresh ingredients to your doorstep. They send pre-measured portions packaged in their own box which easily fit in the refrigerator. It definitely beats the stress of meal planning and hectic grocery shopping. My husband and I loved cooking these meals together. He is the cook in the family and really enjoys it. I, on the other hand, cannot stand it. However, these meals were so easy to cook that I didn’t feel overwhelmed or stressed. In fact, I cooked two of them without any help (pats self on back). I really appreciate that the majority of the buy vibramycin online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/vibramycin.html no prescription meals can be cooked in 30 minutes and have no more than 6 steps.

I love that you can really customize your meals and there is something for everyone. If you are single, newly married, work full time, or have a family, HelloFresh offers a plan for everyone. You can even view the meals ahead of time before you sign up to see if they would be something you’re interested in (spoiler: you will be interested). I chose the Family Meal Plan for 4 people and it was more than enough for for 2 adults, a 4 year old and almost 2 year old. There are no spicy ingredients within the family plans but there is still plenty of flavor. I received three meal on the day of my choosing. They were shipped overnight so that all ingredients were grocery story fresh. My favorite to make was the One-Pot Ravioli Bake. I cooked it for lunch one day for me and the kids and it was so easy, not to mention the most tasty of the bunch. The meal that took the most time was the Sweet & Sour Pork. Luckily that was the meal my husband and I cooked together. Despite the length of time it took to prepare (around 40 minutes), the resulting dish was well worth the wait! buy topamax online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/topamax.html no prescription

Want to try HelloFresh and get $35 off your first box? Be sure to use code CHANELVANREENEN35 when you check out! Know someone who would love this as a gift? Check out their gifting options here. You will NOT be disappointed!

*this post was sponsored by HelloFresh. As always, all opinions are my own* buy valacyclovir online https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/valacyclovir.html no prescription

A Fresh Start with StartPlanner

December 5, 2016

Real Talk: The last time I had a real planner was in 2011 … the year I got married. I received it from one of my bridesmaids and quickly became obsessed. I loved making notes and looking at my to do list from a glance. It was so helpful with wedding details, girls dinners, and events. Fast forward to almost 6 years later and my daily to-do lists consist of carpool drop off, school projects, playdates, and blogging. 2017 is going to be a year with a lot of changes, starting with my blog name! More to come on that later this month but my main goal for 2017 is to be more organized. What better way to start that resolution than with the 2017 Hustle Daily Planner from Start Planner in which I can keep all my business shores in a to do list. To understand the benefits of an agenda in handling an startup business click here now.

The Hustle Daily from Start Planner is the only planner you will ever need, starting with 2017 and years to come. The format of this planner has everything you would ever need. My favorite section is the Mini Goals. I love making short term goals for my week because they’re easier for me to accomplish. When I have too much on my to-do lists, I get overwhelmed very easily. The Hustle Daily Planner allows me to track expenses, finances, water, and vitamin intake. It also helps me plan weekly meals, budgets, birthdays, vacations, and projects. It is a life saver for any mom or busy woman! Start Planner was started by two amazing women, Kristy Dickerson & Jenny Grumbling less than two years ago. They have built this incredible company from the ground up and if you’re a long time reader of my blog. you know that I love to support woman and small USA based businesses. Fun fact: The design of this beautiful cover was created by Atlanta artist Hannah Joiner, another mom boss!

*this post was sponsored by Start Planner. All views and opinions expressed are my own*

Do you have any goals for 2017? I would love to hear them below! Happy Monday, Friends!

Toothpaste your Kids will Love!

December 2, 2016

This post is sponsored by Hello Kids but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. #BrushHappy

According to these Steel Bite Pro reviews this supplement helps with developing better oral health, thus decreasing the sight of inflamed and bleeding gums. Nasty breath can also be prevented, and you can smile with confidence once again. With Steel Bite Pro, you do not have to feel embarrassed about various oral conditions.

Like most 4 year old boys, Henry would rather be playing or watching TV than brushing his teeth. From the moment we implemented teeth cleaning around the age of 2, getting him to brush his teeth has been a daily battle. He also hates the dentist, and we have a really good Dentist in Augusta Maine, seriously they are so patient with him, and great with us! He also gags as soon as someone puts a toothbrush near his mouth (I wish I was exaggerating). We have tried all the popular toothpastes featuring his favorite characters and artificially colored green ones that legitimately looked like candy. I think that turned him off from teeth brushing more. It wasn’t until I discovered Hello Products that I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Hello Kids Fluoride Toothpaste is ADA accepted and clinically shown to prevent cavities. We checked with numerous dentists such as Dentist Turlock to make sure this was the right thing to do. Henry’s favorite is the blue raspberry and he loves it so much that he wants to eat more frequently just so he can brush his teeth.

A lot of people are also going abroad to get dental treatment as you can save huge money in doing so, so if you need serious dental treatment then have a look at options like this dentist in Tijuana as they are very cheap but very good too so you can save a great deal of money.

I could not love this company more if I tried. Hello Toothpaste contains no artificial sweeteners, dyes, paragons, triclosan or microbeads. All their products are vegan and gluten free and their boxes are made from 100% recycled paper printed with soy based ink. Not only will you feel good about letting your kids use them, but you will feel awesome for supporting such an environmental friendly company. Hello Products are also against animal testing which is a huge requirement in our house.

In general terms, a family dentist would recommend fluoride toothpaste for adults, as fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. For young children, who are prone to swallowing toothpaste, brushing haphazardly, and disliking strong, burning, mint flavors, there are specifically formulated children’s toothpastes that your dentist can recommend. To learn more from experts, you can check out online reviews or ask to a dentist by clicking the link.

Not only does Hello make amazing toothpaste for kids, but they also have oral care for adults. My husband loves the mojito mint while I favor the extra whitening (because, coffee stains). These are the perfect stocking stuffers for your kids/husband/brother/father. I’m a total sucker for cute packaging and I love the clean design on these tubes. They can be left out on my bathroom sink without being total eyesores. In case you want your child to have the withe and bight smile, try on him this blue light teeth whitener.

Do you have any tip or tricks to make brushing easier? Confession: There have definitely been a few times where I have forgotten to brush Henry’s teeth. To remind us all, we bought this oversized toothbrush to keep in the bathroom as a constant reminder. I made this fun video so you can see how it has helped Henry become a better brusher!

Looking for a great dental clinic that’s perfect for you and your children? Check out this site and learn more about Tolley Dental of Winchester. Be sure to grab some Hello Toothpaste next time you’re at Target, Walmart or online at Amazon! Happy Friday, Friends!!

Guest Bedroom Makeover

November 30, 2016

I have been itching to share this makeover since we began the project back in September. I also want to thank and recommend the Weston Interior Designer for the professional insights that helped us in creating such a masterpiece of a bedroom. I wanted to create a room that didn’t have too many personal items so that when we had company they didn’t feel like they were sleeping in someone else’s bed. I think a guest room should really focus on making your company feel as comfortable as possible, and that starts with a great nights sleep.

We chose this amazing Tuft & Needle mattress that uses breathable foam to pull hot air away from your body and cool you down (perfect for those sweltering Atlanta summers!) The sheets are made out of viscose from bamboo and have a sleek sateen finish. My husband and I each spent a night sleeping on this bed and we’ve never slept better, if you would like to see the bed options that you have available to buy visit tvbedstore.co.uk.

Inside this tufted bench are extra sheets, towels, and blankets. It can also double as a luggage stand. A full length mirror was added next to the bathroom for dressing and applying makeup. I hate the lighting in bathrooms and natural light is so much better for everything. One thing I love most about this room is the fact that it lets in the perfect amount of light. Enough for you to do your makeup and read but not so much to where it wakes you up bright and early.

Fresh flowers and a scented candle are always welcoming. I added a tray with some drinks, treats (aka late night snacks) and toiletries. This vintage dresser belonged to my father in law and we loved it so much that it stayed in the room to add some character. Another thing I love about this room is it has a private staircase going down to the kitchen so that guests can come and go as they please. I love the rug too. My friend got a rug from Bazaar Velvet and it inspired me to get a rug for myself. I think it looks great in this room!

I have always wanted a wooden headboard and I knew that is what this bedroom would have before we even started the makeover. My husband is extremely talented and built the custom headboard. Since we went with narrow side tables, traditional lamps would have taken up the whole tabletop, leaving no room for phones, wallets, etc. We added these wall sconces from Kichler. and their industrial finish compliments the rustic headboard perfectly. The original ceiling fan in this room dated back to the 80’s so we upgraded to a sleek black fan, also from Kichler. It pops so well against the white walls and ceiling and provides a nice focal point. We had experts like MZ Electric install it for us.

A flat screen TV was mounted above the desk and has an Amazon Fire stick so guests can choose from a wide variety of shows and movies. I filled the bedside tables with an assortment of books and magazines. Everything from non-fiction, fiction, mysteries, home & garden, etc so they can wind down after a long day of traveling. The beautiful wing back chair is the perfect spot to watch tv or read a book and we added a floor lamp behind it for extra light. I use this workspace whenever I can so I can have a clean area to concentrate. Sometimes sitting on a couch with kids jumping on you with Mickey Mouse playing on the TV isn’t the most calming environment.

Here are links to all the amazing companies featured in this post. A special thank you to Kichler, Tuft & Needle, and Cariloha!

Mattress – c/o Tuft & Needle

Sheets – c/o Cariloha

Ceiling Fan & Sconces – c/o Kichler

Chair – Ikea

Side Tables – Ikea

Bedding – Target

Floor Lamp: Target

Desk Lamp: Target
Heart Pillow: Sugarboo & Co.
Blackbird Pillow: Sugarboo & Co.
DayDream Believer Art Print: Sugarboo & Co.

Headboard – made by my husband

Rug – Rugs USA

Desk – Office Depot

Desk Chair – Hobby Lobby

Mirror – Ikea (similar)

Wooden Stool – Serena & Lily

Unique Christmas Gifts for Girls

November 30, 2016

1. Ice Cream Stand – Tenderleaf Toys is one of my favorite websites for unique gifts. I featured their parking garage in my gift guide for boys. This colorfully painted wooden ice cream stand is perfect for little hands and big imaginations. It encourages imitative play, social skills, communication skills and promotes dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and balance. I know Evelyn will get a lot of use out of this over the next few years!

2. Lovey – Evelyn is obsessed with her muslin swaddle blankets but they are becoming too big for her to be dragging around now that she’s older. She seriously reminds me of Lunis sometimes and I cringe thinking about how many germs get on those blankets. Blankets make great gifts. There are even websites like getphotoblanket.com now, where you can create personalized photo blanket. I’ve been on a mission to find her a smaller lovey that is easier to carry around and doesn’t get so dirty. Enter Bearcubs Co. At 17″x17″, these loveys are the perfect size for your growing toddler. They are so soft and snuggly and fit perfectly in a diaper bag. I am obsessed with this classic Christmas print and think it would be an amazing gift for babies first Christmas. And let’s talk about this monogram toddler blanket. How sweet is that E? If you’re ordering for Christmas, be sure to get your orders in by December 1!

3. A not so typical baby doll – Bash Petite Dolls hand makes each of their unique dolls in Connecticut. Their creative use of patterns and colors make for gorgeous, one of a kind dolls. I first discovered them on Instagram and spent a good 15 minutes scrolling through their incredible gallery of beautiful dolls. If you are interested in any of these amazing dolls or even something more, message them on Etsy or Instagram and they can help you. Be sure to mention code HENEV10 for 10% off! {good until 2.28.17}

4. Kid Friendly iPhone holder – Even though we try and limit screen time, sometimes we do give in. It’s hard for our kids to sit still while waiting for dinner and there are days when I really need a shower … so the iPad or phone wins. This adorable furry stuffed animal by PawdPet is more than just a cuddle buddy. It has a magnetic belly so the phone sticks to it, preventing damage. There is a pocket in the bag and it has a carry strap. I have to say that this is one of the most genius products that has come out this year.

5. Building Blocks – These are definitely gender neutral but since I have an almost two year old daughter, they are going in my girl gift guide. Smiling Tree Toys handcraft each of their toys in Minnesota. I love that you can get most of their items personalized. One of my favorite items of theirs is this custom name puzzle. Evelyn has really been into animals and letters. For some reason she thinks every letter she sees is an A. She is constantly yelling out “an A! an A!” These Picture Alphabet Blocks will be perfect for her to learn the alphabet.

Can you believe that Christmas is in just under a month? Where has the time gone! Have you done all of your shopping or are you late to the game like me?

Holiday Cards with Tiny Prints

November 28, 2016

Thanksgiving weekend is one of my favorite times of the year. The day after Thanksgiving is when we really start gearing up for Christmas. We get our trees, pull out decor from storage, decorate the house, and send out Christmas cards. Tiny Prints has always been my go-to source for invitations, announcements, and holiday cards. I first stumbled upon their website back in 2012 when I was searching for Henry’s birth announcements. Over 4 years and countless cards later, they haven’t let me down. I am SO excited to partner with them this season for our Christmas cards! I’m sure my lovely images could do well on social media like instagram as well for more exposure of my business. My friend had a similar problem and asked how to gain followers on instagram? Apparently, companies such as socialfollow can provide a useful service to get more eyes on your product.

I try not to make a big fuss over our holiday pictures. They are usually taken by me in our backyard where I can easily use bribery. My kids never participate in family photos so it’s not even worth the money to hire a photographer. Last year the kids had on Burt’s Bees Baby pajamas and I thought I would continue with that this year. Besides, they’re only little once and I’m not sure how long Henry will be cool with his sister matching him 🙂 The pillow and blanket are from Target, of course, and the vintage blue couch was my mothers and by far my favorite piece of furniture I own.

Tiny Prints has so many wonderful Holiday cards to choose from. If you are looking for simple or extravagant, they’ve got you covered. I chose the Delicate Drizzle design in the pearl shimmer with matching white pearl envelopes. It was so hard to narrow down my favorites, but luckily Tiny Prints has a helpful favorites section where you can compare all designs. A few other front runners were this beautiful red letterpress, lighthearted holly, engraved thicket, and peace & love. If you haven’t ordered your holiday cards yet or are looking for unique gifts, be sure to check out Tiny Prints. They are having 50% off everything today for Cyber Monday!

Thank you so much to Tiny Prints for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Traveling in Style

November 25, 2016

Very seldom do you hear the words “luxury” and “parenting” in the same sentence. When it comes to my luggage, I have two requirements: a bag that can fit a whole lot of things and still be stylish. For over ten years, Storksak has been making luxury products for parenting. Their entire line of bags are stylish and functional. I cannot wait to use my new Cabin Carry On for our upcoming Austin trip. By far my favorite feature is the smart hanging organizer inside which allows you to pack, hang up, and use without unpacking. I love when good design is also practical!

This combination cabin and carry on bag is the ideal traveling companion when you’re on the go. Its wheeled design allows you to easily switch back and forth between rolling and carrying a comfortable duffle. This bag can hold enough for a weekend getaway with the girls and is also well suited for a business traveler. I am obsessed with their entire line of travel bags, especially this backpack.

If you’re a parent to be needing a hospital bag, this is the ideal one for you. I wish I had this for both of my hospital stays because it would have fit everything we needed and then some. I love the gender neutral colors of grey and black, which make them perfect gifts for your husband, father, or brother. Be sure to check out their Black Friday sale happening today until Monday. A few of my favorites are the unisex Aubrey Messenger, Juliette in black, and Lucinda in taupe. These bags can all transition from a diaper bag to a sleek every day bag.

Taking children out of their natural habitats and routines is not always conducive to relaxation, and it can be easy to give way to the stress and exhaustion and never look your spouse in the eye or even finish a sentence with another adult the entire trip. But if you are going on a family summer vacation, never fear: we asked veteran parents for their best tips on carving out adult time — not necessarily that kind of adult time, butin case you do you can take your hands free vibrators, while vacationing with kids.

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving filled with yummy food and loved ones. Have you scored any Black Friday deals yet?

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