3 Yummy Toddler Meals They Won't Refuse

It can be incredibly frustrating to get a toddler to eat, let alone be sure that they are getting an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Their little bodies are going through big changes that have a monumental effect on their appetite. Sometimes, my little one will ask for more, and sometimes he only takes 3 bites and he's done. 

The key is preparing foods that he can enjoy, that have nutrients packed into every single bite. 

 One of the things I learned not to do is give him what I know he likes just because I know he will eat it. French fries may be tasty, but they are certainly not an everyday thing. 

 

The following meals are colorful and healthy, and they have Nico running to the dinner table every night!

Salami and Swiss Cheese Sandwich with Mustard and Margarine, and Carrot Sticks and low fat Ranch dip

 Kielbasa Sausage with Carbonara Elbow Macaroni, and Juicy Cucumbers

Homemade Fish Sticks, White Rice & Black Beans w/ Fresh Chopped Spinach, and Juicy Cucumbers

**BONUS**

For a delicious and nutritious dessert, Apple Slices with Vanilla Yogurt!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Dads can be the hardest people to shop for, but finding something just right doesn't have to be complicated! Sometimes the one thing holding us back from thinking of the perfect present, is thinking way too much. 

The first step to finding the last minute gift of his dreams is taking a deep breath and remembering to keep it simple! 

Favorites - Things to keep in mind when looking for something for dad are his favorites. Favorite color, band, vintage show, movie, superhero? A gift card to his favorite store in a meaningful card is guaranteed to win you that smile you love so much! 

 
Books - There is no such thing as having too many books, and there is no such thing as a person who doesn't read. The question is what do they read? Comics, magazines, newspapers? Get your hubby a good thrilling read that he will greatly appreciate the next time he finds himself with a chunk of personal time. 

   
Free Time - Speaking of time, it seems like Dads don't ever have enough of it! When my husband isn't working, he is doing a chore around the house or hanging out with Nico; he never really has a moment for himself. If that sounds like your hubby, a nice gift might be a night to himself. The night before his day off, pack up the kids and take them for an over night trip with you to Grandma's house, leaving your husband all alone for 24 hours of man time! 

Nothing - The ultimate last minute gift is absolutely nothing! Make overnight arrangements for the little ones and spend the day doing nothing but watching his favorite movies/ shows, and eating his favorite junk food (don't forget the pizza!). Most importantly, spend the day wearing NOTHING AT ALL ;) 

  

Date Night Dinner for Two for Under $30

Anyone who has seen Lady and the Tramp knows that spaghetti and meatballs is a signature romantic meal. 

Fortunately for us, the classic dish eliminates the need to slave over the stove for hours, trying to create the perfect Date Night dinner. Not only is this delicious entrée fast and simple to prepare, all of the ingredients can be purchased for under $30; under $20 if some are on sale! 

Meatballs:

INGREDIENTS

1lb ground beef

3/4 cup bread crumbs 

3/4 grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1tbs pepper

1tbs all purpose seasoning 

1 1/2tbs garlic powder

Salt to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the thawed ground beef with the spices. Then mix in the egg, bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan. 

Pull small pieces of beef and roll it into a ball in the palm of your hand and place on a NON-GREASED baking sheet.

(to save clean up time, cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil before baking) 

Cook for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are lightly browned on the top. Remove from sheet and place on a paper towel covered plate. 

Spaghetti & Sauce: 

INGREDIENTS

Half a package of uncooked spaghetti

1/2 Jar of your favorite sauce

3tbs of parmesan

1tbs pepper

1/2tbs onion powder

Salt to taste

1/2 cheese of choice

While waiting for those meatballs to bake, boil water with a dash of salt and olive oil in a medium sized pot for the pasta. If you wait until the water is boiling before adding the spaghetti, it cooks faster and more evenly. Once pasta is at desired tenderness turn off the burner and drain it. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix it all up! 

After mixing the sauce into the spaghetti throw the meatballs in the pot and mix it together. Cover the main course and let the flavors mesh while you make a deliciously healthy side salad! 

 

Side Salad:

INGREDIENTS

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup romaine lettuce

1/4 cup fresh cilantro 

1 tomato 

1/2 small white onion 

1/2 tbs lemon juice

1tbs olive oil

Dice the tomato and onions. Chop up the cilantro. Cut the spinach and romaine lettuce into smaller pieces. Finally add all of the ingredients together in a pretty bowl and serve along side the spaghetti.

Now the only thing you have to worry about is what movie to watch and of course what to wear to WOW your date ;)  

5 Simple Steps for Shaking Off The Funk

 Many of us are probably feeling a little burnt out by now. The holidays are over and all of those happy Christmas feelings are long gone. The motivation we had to achieve our New Year's Resolution has dissipated, and we are back to the same tired routines of the year before. 

Those are just a few of the many causes of the build up of negative emotions that make up what I like to call The Funk. 

It is not quite as easy to overcome as the Winter Blues, and it is not as intense as depression, but it certainly is unpleasant. The Funk has a variety of symptoms including lack of interest, body soreness, apathy, fatigue, and a general hopeless feeling that nothing will ever make you smile again. 

A common belief is that the cure to The Funk is finding happiness. I don't think that is accurate. Yes, happiness can relieve some of those symptoms for a while, but it is a fleeting feeling that eventually wears off. Soon you will find yourself looking for the next happy high to pull you above the surface just long enough to catch a few deep breaths.

There is a more permanent solution to eliminate The Funk for good and I believe that solution is finding the joy within you. Joy runs deeper than happiness. It is a lasting emotion that leads to inner peace and psychological rest.

According to dictionary.com the definition of joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

What if I told you that "something exceptionally good or satisfying" could be found in your own mind? 

Many times, the key to lasting joy is trapped in our thoughts, but can be brought out by following a simple defunkification  process. 
(Yes I just made up a word)

 DeFUNKification:
 

Step 1: Kill all incoming negative thoughts. It is much more simple than it sounds. Whenever you have a thought that produces a discouraging emotion, counter it with a thought that produces a positive emotion. For example, if you are mentally putting yourself down for not sticking with you resolution, challenge that by remembering a time when you actually did follow through with something. Consider how good you felt and remember that one failure in no way defines who you are.

Step 2: Get some fresh air. It may be cold out there, but being inside, staring at the same walls you've been staring at for weeks, months, or even years, can be depressing. So is browsing Facebook, stalking people who are enjoying their lives more than you happen to be at the moment. Go for a walk and take 10 deep breaths. Every time you inhale, imagine yourself sucking up a bit of your Funk, and every time you exhale, imagine yourself letting it out. 

Step 3: Occupy yourself. Chose a few new goals; pick something long term and then plan a short term goal that will help you achieve the long term one. Get a new hobby, maybe something that you have always wanted to do. Plan an exciting vacation to a new country and learn a new language to help you prepare! Some times we can fall in to The Funk because our spirit is telling us that we are not making progress. Human beings are meant to do amazing things! If you are doing the same thing as last year, something's gotta give. 

Step 4: Take a break. You are back to school, the Christmas decorations at work have come down, and life is pretty much back to business as usual. So take a break from life. If you can afford to take a mini weekend vacation do that, but taking a break doesn't have to mean going away. If you have a flexible schedule, try taking a nice comfortable nap in the middle of the afternoon! If you are shackled to consciousness by your responsibilities, make time before going to sleep at night to get wrapped up in an exceptionally good book. (I recommend Liars Like Me by yours truly!)  

Step 5: Count your blessings. I mean this in the most literal sense. If you tried everything on this list and you are still trapped in the suffocating fog of sadness, start to make a list of your own. We all know that life is unfair, and, if we are being honest, we tend to realize that fact even more when we are not enjoying it. Life kicks you when you are down, so the best thing to do is get up as quickly as possible. On a piece of paper start to write down things that you are truly grateful for, even if it was a long time ago. Better yet, start a blessing jar, or jug, or bowl; pretty much any empty container you have around the house will work for this. Everyday write down something that you are grateful for, or a blessing that you have experienced and put it in the jar. If you can't think of one, start with the fact that you are alive and able to read this post! 

 

New Year, New You!

 

The new year is sure to bring big changes for all of us. Usually, during this time of year we reflect on what our life has been like over the past 12 months in attempts to better ourselves; to prepare for the next big step. Whether it's remorse over not eating healthier, or exercising more, or spending too much money, we all admit that there is something we can improve. 

So, year after year we set a New Year's resolution. And after only a few short months  many of us find ourselves breaking it.

Getting off to a good start is no problem at all, maintaining that passion you had in the beginning is what some of us find difficult. Auspiciously, there are a few key tricks to staying on track!

1. Make a list of motives - On a sheet of paper, write out all of the reasons behind setting your New Year's resolution. Will it make you happier, healthier, or wiser? Will it bring your family closer together? Knowing the "why" will keep you motivated enough to try!

  
2. Tell everyone you know -This all boils down to one word; accountability. The more people you tell about your resolution, the more people are going to expect to see results. So, post it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, MAKE IT KNOWN! When you have a little slip, and you feel like backing down, you will be surrounded by friends who can encourage you to give it another try. 

3. Overcome the obstacles - Figure out what is standing between you and your goal, and then make a step by step plan on how you are going to jump over that hurdle. Most times, there is an easy solution for monumental problems. If you cannot find the answers on your own, ask one of those wonderfully supportive people you told for help.

4. Reward yourself - Treat yourself every time you take a step towards victory! You deserve to indulge every now and then, especially when you do something that makes you proud! Have a scoop of ice cream, or go see that movie you've been dying to watch, or  buy that nice sweater you've had your eye on.

5. Picture it - The most powerful way of achieving a goal is to visualize your success! Imagine yourself in that smaller size, or studying at that college, or in that new car! The more you think about it happening, the more likely it is to ACTUALLY happen!  

Most importantly, don't let ANYONE stop you from being a better version of yourself!

 

Much Needed "Me Time"

This time of year has to be one of the most stressful of all. On top of everything else you normally do, add making lists of things to get people, shopping for hours, cooking for hours, extra holiday cleaning, and so on for what seems like forever! 

I don't know about you, but all of the additional little tasks have me pretty tightly wound. It can be more difficult than ever to find time for yourself, to relax, which makes it more important than ever! Sleep is simply not enough anymore, as I find myself waking up sore and stiff.  

In order to feel better throughout the day we have to focus on establishing a time of rest for our bodies and souls. 

Fortunately there are 3 minor things that we can do to keep our batteries fully charged!

1. Devotional first thing in the morning - What is the first thing that comes to mind when you wake up in the morning? Usually, a long list of things you have to get done! What if, you turned off those automatic reminders, and tuned in to the Lord? Instead of casting all of those burdens and worries on to your own shoulders, remember that God is present and in control of EVERY situation. He cares about the things that trouble us throughout the day! Upon waking up, pray, and ask him to help you to relax, because He has it all in His capable hands. I like to use the YouVersion Bible App because it has endless devotions to help you listen to, and become aware of what God is trying to tell you today; which is far more important than what you will have for breakfast.

2. Stretch!!! - As I mentioned before, I have recently found myself waking up in worse shape than I was in when I went to sleep! The stresses of work, home life, and these end-of-year holidays have finally caught up to me. As a result, I found relief in an extremely mild daily exercise. If yoga is not your thing (it is definitely NOT mine) stretching works just as well! I found a video that works for me on YouTube; it is the first thing I do after my time with the Lord and it has gradually been loosening my tight muscles! 

3. Do something mindless - No, I don't mean go out and do something crazy and reckless just because you can! By mindless, I mean, do something that does not required much though or concentration, something that makes you feel good! I like to buy a cheap fun color of nail polish (97 cents for NYC Color at Walmart) to do my nails. It is easy, relaxing, and it forces me to stop for a minute to recollect my tranquility. It also makes me feel pretty! If you don't like to do your nails, pick your favorite song and listen to it without doing anything else. Close your eyes, and enjoy yourself!

 

When life gets overwhelming take a few steps back, and a couple hundred deep breaths! 

Things always get better!

Comfortable Christmas Style!

 We were invited to an awesome annual Christmas party where a bunch of old friends come together to celebrate the holidays! 

This year I decided to skip the dress and go for a more semi-formal outfit, with non-obvious Christmas colors. 

(A lacy white skirt, a tight Santa-red blouse, and a dark olive green button down shirt with black booties)

I spent about an hour braiding my hair. 

 And for my make-up I did dramatic eye-shadow, light silver to dark silver, blush, cover-up, mascara, and cat eyeliner. 

The party turned out to be fun and exciting! I was comfortable and got to see old friends I had not seen in a long time, and they all complimented my Hot mom Christmas look!

A Special Christmas (; On a Budget ;)

 

 

This is the time of year for GIVING!! 

We all love to shower our friends and family with things that remind them that we care! 

But sometimes, our lists are miles long and our cash is a little short. The most important thing to keep in mind around this time of year is that Christmas is not about the money. It is about celebrating the coming of Christ into this world to save us! It is about being more like Jesus, giving and loving, especially to those you love! 

With these 4 tips, you can still have a very special affordable Christmas:

1. *Gifts - PICTURES!!! What better way to give them something to remember you by? A nice inexpensive picture frame with a picture of the kids is perfect for grandparents, aunts, and uncles! If you don't think they would appreciate a picture, get them CANDY!!! Buy nice small holiday boxes and fill them with Christmas confetti and that person's (or child's) favorite candy! If this person doesn't like pictures or candy, you can never go wrong with a RED BOX gift card. Just 5 dollars can provide a busy couple with 5 movie date nights after the kids go to sleep. Think about it! *Spend the most on 2 or 3 very special people!

2. Christmas Cards - Hand making Christmas cards is a fun family activity! Start out with a fun holiday photo shoot; there are plenty of awesome ideas on Pinterest. Then print 4x6 photos and tape them to the inside of blank Christmas Cards. Fill the inside with a personal message, or a Christmas bible verse; Luke 2:10 or 11 is nice! Don't forget to sign it with love from the whole family!

3. The Tree - If you live in a small apartment (like us) or you can't really afford a tree, getting what I like to call a "Tiny Tree" is a whimsical alternative! A few years ago we bought a $20 tree at Walgreens that had built in LED lights and came with a base and power cord. We put it on a small table and decorated it with colorful ornaments from the 99 cent store. It is absolutely beautiful! 

4. Dinner/ Breakfast - For breakfast have a pancake feast! Make them with egg eyes and bacon smiles! (Turkey bacon is a healthy and cheap alternative to pork bacon.) For extra fun dye them green with food coloring for Grinch pancakes!  For dinner, skip the turkey or ham and have a nice fat roasted chicken, whoever finds the wish bone gets to make a special wish! 

As long as you are overflowing with love it doesn't matter how much you spend!  

7 Suggestions for Surviving Blackout Boredom

 

No matter where you live, you cannot escape the weather, whether it's a blizzard, or a thunderstorm, or a hurricane. It seems like God is constantly reminding us that He has the power to make our plans take a hard left turn! 

Fortunately, storms are not always bad news. Sure, the power could go out and you could be left in the dark for the night, or even a few days, but the good news is that people have lived without electricity for centuries. They got together with friends and family and made the most of the time they were given. Today, we wonder how they survived without Netflix or Facebook. 

What did they do for entertainment? 

If you are drawing a complete blank, here are a few activities to get you through the "dark ages".

1. Make a reading nook! - Before movies and television, people were actually forced to use their imaginations. What better time then to get some comforters and pillows together, on a cozy spot on the floor, next to a window providing sufficient light. This is especially fun to do with kids, or your roommates! Put together an intricate fort that is large enough for all of you and then crack open your favorite books. You can all take turns reading; use funny voices and really get in to it! When it gets dark light a few candles; there is a magical quality to the candle lit pages of an enticing novel. 

2. Indoor camping! - This pretty much speaks for itself, doesn't it?! Make a clearing, set up a tent, and let the games being! Get a candle, and make s'mores. If you don't have anything to make s'mores with, find other food to put on sticks and toast them the best you can. Find "fire wood", pretend you are river rafting, cover the ceiling with glow in the dark stickers, have an epic "sword" fight, etc. This is when you put your heads together and get really creative.

3. Have a shadow puppet play! - Each person takes a moment to decide what and who their character is. Take turns describing your character, the more details the better! The sillier the better! Then put on a play; it could be a reenactment, or a completely original work of art. To keep the fun going, make a rule stating that everyone must stay in character all day. 

4. Create an indoor obstacle course! - Remember when you were a kid and you would pretend that the floor was made of lava? Well, after being dormant for over a decade, the volcano erupted again. Lay down cushions and make blanket rivers. If you live in a 2-story home, the stairs have just become Mount Everest; someone could even stand at the top and throw pillows at climbers simulating an avalanche. You can even sit in boxes and take turns pushing each other to the finish line; make things interesting and race! 

5. Play hide and seek! - Someone counts to 50, and you all find places to hide; good places, where it could take a little while to be found. And once you are found you must help the seeker find the other hiders. The last person to be found wins!

 6. Marco-polo with a blindfold! - I recommend this game to everyone, no matter how old you are. Pick someone to blindfold, spin them around a few times, and spread out! You know the drill, they say Marco you say Polo and you watch with giddy delight as they stumble around trying to find you!



 7. Write a never-ending story! - If you just want to sit around and be cozy, you can still do something fun; the more people the better. You each take turns writing a couple paragraphs or sentences, and when you all have had a chance to write something, read the story out loud. Then go for another round, and keep it going! See where your story adventure takes you. 

Whatever you decide to do during the atrocious weather storm, stay safe and stay warm. Just keep in mind that there is loads of fun to be had inside!