Choosing The Best Car Seat For All Your Kids
As a mom, I've had to learn a few things about what it means to make things last. I have three boys and it means everything I buy is times three! I have to buy three sets of dress clothes for holidays, three sets of cleats for sports, three sets of winter jackets, and three sets of car seats.It gets expensive!It's because of this I've learned how to stretch a dollar. I go to the store looking for more than how cute it is. While style is important, dependability is the priority. I look for items I like, but know will last for all three kids.If not, I know I'll end up back at the store for child number two!
One item I've learned quite a bit about over the years is a good quality car seat. The first time I picked up a car seat was terrifying. I was pregnant and had no idea what to look for. Luckily, I had a friend who pulled me under her wing and let me borrow her Graco infant car seat.When he was ready to upgrade, I made a poor decision. I purchased a car seat that was cheap but had nowhere near the level of safety as my very first car seat. I returned it the same day and purchased a new and upgraded Graco car seat.We've been a Graco family ever since that moment. Their car seats are made to last, their car seats are rigorously tested to meet or exceed US FMVSS safety standards, and they are a great deal!
Now that our kids are bigger, we still know Graco is the brand to trust with our child's safety.Our kids love their seats too! They always tell us they like to take naps in their seats because of the cozy headrests. Not to mention, they love that they're big enough to get themselves buckled up! They hop straight in the car, buckle themselves in, and ask if we're there yet...
While it may be easy to buckle up, it's not easy enough for them to unbuckle themselves. Our Graco 4Ever seat straps into our car with the built in seat hooks and gives you the directions you need whether you're using forward facing or rear facing.
When I went on the hunt for our new Graco 4Ever car seat I price checked around my neighborhood. The prices were different everywhere I went. The absolute best deal I found was at Walmart. My favorite thing about Walmart is that you can order their products online! Then you can choose to pick up at the store or have them ship it to your house! Either way you don't have to lug the kids inside, only for them to ask for about a dozen other things!
We had them ship our car seat to our home and it was free 2 day shipping! I'm always up for free shipping!All of this has taught me one thing... Parents need to remember to invest wisely into their kid's necessities. While it may save you a few dollars in the moment, you need to think about how much it will save you in the long run.Buy a car seat that will last!
The Secret On Keeping Up With A Chaotic Schedule
Life over the last six years has become unbelievably busy. I went from having one little boy and a semi-quiet home to three boys, two dogs, a revolving door of roommates, and sprinkle in a bit of homeschool and sports.I remember when parents used to tell me to enjoy my time home while I could. While my kids were little, we spent most of our time at home. We didn't have a big need to leave the house often other than for play dates.This year it's all changed. Our quiet little life has turned into complete chaos!
While I still have a good chunk of time at home, it's filled with things to do. We decided to homeschool our two oldest kiddos again this year. My oldest, Liam is 6 years old and his school time is a little more rigid and requires us to get through more every day.Then we have sports... Our once quiet and boring weekends are now FULL of practices and games. Our kids love it and it makes it all worth it, but my husband and I are constantly going to and from the field, carrying everything imaginable on our backs.Someone (we won't name names) also decided to adopt a puppy while her husband was away on a work trip. I used to just have one old dog who loved to sleep all day. Then I brought our new puppy into our lives and home.Wow.She's nonstop.She's our new little toddler who runs around finding new things to get into and chew up every day. I can't turn my head for more than a minute otherwise I find her making my life much more difficult.
Luckily, I know her puppy stage won't last forever. She is such a little sweetheart, chewing aside. She follows the kids around all day and won't ever turn down a good belly rub.All of that to say, our lives have been turned upside down this year. Keeping up has definitely been a challenge.I know many of you have been there. It may not be due to surprise puppies, homeschool, sports, and three boys, but you know the feeling. You know what it's like to get so stressed out you'd rather hide in bed than face it all. This year I'm determined to get a better handle on everything. I don't want to spend my days catching up.Instead, I'm changing things up this year. I've learned a little secret tool to getting back in control of my days and it's something you can do too.
Get On Auto-Pilot.
We all have a handful of things that happen routinely each month. It may be groceries you buy each week, bills that get paid on the same day each month, and so on.Take a few things off your plate by going on auto-pilot. You don't need to wait until your bill is due to pay it. You can get on auto-payments. This way, you know it will get paid on time each month without even having to lift a finger.
Do the same thing with your groceries. One of my favorite things to do is get my dog food through Amazon's subscribe and save program! You can save up to 5% when you purchase your Hill's Science Diet pet food this way! We love getting Hill's Science Diet for our pups. Vets even choose it for their own pets and it's their #1 choice today!Both of my pups eagerly know what's arrived when the delivery guy comes to the door! Their little tails wag and can hardly wait for us to open the package for them!
I know I'm not the only one who's ended up running to the store last minute to pick up dog food because you had no idea you were out. Or because your kids decided to pour it all into the dog's water to make it "easier" for them to eat/drink.I make sure to schedule my dog food deliveries early just in case the kids decide to "help" me out. I'm never without this must have for my dogs.This was also a huge help while we were busy traveling this summer. We were always heading out for different family events and even through in a few vacations. My brother stayed back to watch the dogs and he didn't have to worry about anything!
How do you and your family keep up with your busy life?
Quick and Easy Samosas
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RealFlavorRealFast #CollectiveBias
This week has given us a little taste of the beautiful weather North Carolina has to offer. We wake up in the morning and it's already warm outside. The last thing we want to do on these warm days is heat up the oven. Instead, we go straight outside and turn on the grill.Today, we grilled up a gorgeous piece of Smithfield Marinated Pork. We love using their pork because you can create real flavor real fast! They use 100% pork and none of that nasty added stuff.* It's perfect for a midweek meal because it hardly takes any time at all to cook!It was so easy to cook and it smelled heavenly. It hardly took anytime at all for it to reach the right temperature and then we brought it inside to put together our samosas.
The best part of these quick samosas is that you can fill them with anything! My families favorite is meat and potato. They're filling and perfect for any meal!Traditional samosas take a bit of time from your day. You have to make the dough from scratch, wait for it to rise, and then start the rest of the process. Not today. We made it easy by using a tortilla!
Head over to your local Walmart and pick up your own Smithfield Marinated Pork. They have so many options on the types of marinades you want to fit everyones tastebuds. You can use them to whip up your own homemade samosas or eat them on their own!They've taken all the work out of it by marinading it for you! All you need to do is sauté it, roast it, or even throw it on the grill! Our family loves to grill up our Smithfield Marinated Pork and then use the left overs in our samosas the next day! Seriously delicious meals two days in a row!
*FDA has determined that there is no significant different between milk derived from rBST-treated and non rBST-treated cows
Sarla In The Sky: Kid Review Addition
This post is sponsored by Bharat Babies. As always all opinions are my own.
The Best Part Of Women's History Month
Throughout the month of March, my kids and I have been diving into history. My boys have learned about so many influential women in history. They've learned about Helen Keller's determination, Sacagawea's adventures, Harriet Tubman's courage, and Mother Theresa's compassion.I love watching their little eyes light up as we dive into new adventures. This month has taught them so many things! They know that women can do anything they set their minds to and have even seen how courageous women have changed our world for the better.The best part is how it's inspired them!
Let's Meet Sarla!
One of our favorite women in history is Sarla Thakral. She was the first Indian women to become a pilot! Her story is beautiful because despite all odds, she flew!Women have been told throughout history that they aren't as good as men. Social standards have told them that some things should be left for men. Sarla was a woman and living in India. Women are still struggling for equality in different parts of India so imagine how it must have been for her years ago!I was so excited when I found our new book, Sarla In The Sky. I've been obsessed with Bharat Babies' Books for a while now and I couldn't wait to get my hands on their new young reader book!My kids were just as excited! They eagerly checked the mail every day while we waited for it to arrive.
A 5 Year Old's Book Review!
Fun Facts About Sarla Thakral
After reading Sarla In The Sky, my kids wanted to learn more about her and her life. We had learned so much throughout our new book and were thirsty for more! Here are a few of our favorite facts!Sarla's plane was called the Gypsy MothShe had to log thousands of flight hours to get her pilot's licenseShe was born in 1914She was 21 when she got her pilot's licenseShe flew the Gypsy Moth in a sareeShe had a daughter
Learn about Sarla's story on your own and pick up a copy of Sarla In The Sky today!
Preparing For A Move With Kids
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PureLife40pk #CollectiveBias
Preparing For A Move With Kids
Over the last seven years, my husband and I have moved our family a total of 3 times. We've lived in four different states which means we've had to move our lives three times!We've learned quite a few things through trial and error. You know how it is when you move... You get so exhausted that you start cutting corners, only to end up at your new house with no idea where anything is. If you're not careful you end up in this predicament for much longer than expected!
Simple Tips To Follow For Your Next Move
Don't worry, I have a few tips for you that will make your next move a cinch!
Leave one small box of the kid's favorite toys out until the very last day
As you start packing up each room, be sure to leave out your kid's favorite items. In our house, this was a few stuffed animals, a building set, books for bedtime, cars, and some superheroes. It helped to reduce the mess by only having one box of toys and it was comforting for the boys. They were watching their home be packed away, but their favorite toys were by their sides.
Use plastic tubs instead of boxes
Boxes are nice, but at the end of the move, you're stuck with dozens and dozens of broken down boxes. This time around, we learned from the past and picked up a few dozen tubs. They were a bit spendier than picking up boxes, but made moving so much easier! They stacked on top of each other beautifully!
Label Label Label
The biggest headache is arriving at your new home and not being able to find anything! This is why labeling is so important. Label to the point you think you're overdoing it because I can promise you, you're not!
Stay Hydrated
The best thing you can do for your whole family while moving is to keep them hydrated! It helps keep their energy up, helps their body fight new sick bugs, and makes for much happier kiddos. Moving takes a lot out of your body so be preventative and keep them hydrated the entire time.
Put all of your essentials in the same box and label them so you can find them right away
There are always a few items you will need as soon as you get to your new home. Put all of these in 1-2 boxes and label them so you can find it easily.
Keep Hanging Clothes On The hanger
Use a garbage bag to hold all of your clothes on hangers. This way you can transport it easily without having to take them off the hangers. It means one less thing to do!
If you're breaking down furniture, keep all the pieces in one place
When you're breaking down furniture, you end up with dozens of little screws and bolts. Put the pieces for the furniture in a separate baggie. Then take all the bags you end up with and put them in a small box or container. This way there's not a way to lose pieces you need later!
Let the kids play outside
As your packing up the house, the worst thing is for the kids to get into boxes and start taking things out. Do yourself a favor and try to get them to play outside as much as you can even if that means you pick up a few cheap outside activities like chalk
Offer delicious food to people that help you move
Finding people to help you move can feel impossible. In reality, who wants to spend their whole day lifting boxes? All you need to entice them is some delicious food! Pick up some good snacks and tempting food.
Purge when you can
When you move you realize just how much junk you've acquired over the years. This is your opportunity to get rid of anything you haven't use in the last six months or can easily replace at your new house.
Start Your Next Moving Adventure With Nestlé® Pure Life® Water
Before you begin your next moving adventure, head to your local Sam's Club and pick up a case of Nestlé® Pure Life® Water. They're offering 40 bottles for the price of 35!
Nestlé® Pure Life® Water knows how important it is for a family to stay hydrated while moving. It's their goal to provide the best water for families. They even put their water through a 12 step process to make sure they're water is just what you need.Available in select Sam's Club stores, ask your Club Manager about getting Nestlé Pure Life Water in your store if it's unavailable.
Baked Chicken Tandoori Recipe
Are you looking for a healthy recipe to try out for dinner this week? This bakes chicken tandoori dish is just what you're looking for! Get the recipe below.
This post is sponsored by Shan Foods. As always all opinions are my own.
Simple Dinner For A Busy Family
Yesterday morning the family and I woke up and were surprised to see our yard covered in snow! I thought I moved away from the freezing cold, but North Carolina decided to throw us a curveball. Although the snow here is completely different than snow in Chicago.We went to church with a snow covered house and came back to no snow at all! Within just a few short hours the snow had melted and we were back to normal.Even though the snow was gone, it was still chilly outside. I started racking my brain to think of the perfect warm dish to prepare for dinner.Then it came to me. Tandoori Chicken...
Admit it... You're mouth is watering! This is such a simple dish. You can fire up your grill and make it while enjoying the sun shine or you can bake it in the oven. I've prepared it both ways and either way it's delicious!We serve ours with fresh red onions, raita, and way too much rice.The kids immediately flocked to the kitchen when they started smelling fresh tandoori chicken baking in the oven.
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in our house.The kids quickly devour their first helping and beg for more. If we get to the last piece, they all start fighting over it. Even daddy jumps in and tries to plead his case on why he deserves the last piece of chicken.He usually loses and somehow the baby gives everyone a look that seals his fate and he enjoys the last piece.
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Have you ever tried Tandoori Chicken?
Celebrating Holi By Making It Colorful
This post is brought to you by Tea India. As always all opinions are my own.
How You Can Celebrate Holi
As spring is approaching, many Indian families around the world are getting excited. It means it's almost time for Holi, the Festival of Colors! This holiday has been making its way to the US as some colleges are even starting to celebrate it on their own!It's an opportunity for people to put down their differences and have some fun! During Holi week kids play pranks, colorful powder is thrown (or a color war if you're in our house!), and people are celebrating good over evil.As multicultural families, this holiday may look different to all of us. You may not know about the religious background to the holiday and that's ok. This is a great opportunity to teach your family about the world around them.As parents, we're raising global citizens. We have the opportunity to challenge hate and racism in the world by informing our kids. We can teach our kids about different holidays, customs, and ways of life. Holi is the perfect holiday to teach your kids about!It's all about love and celebration.
Colorful Activities
Another name for Holi is the Festival of Colors so as you can imagine, it's all about color! The time of year it's celebrated alone is all about flowers blooming and life starting fresh.There are so many ways you can teach your family about the Festival of Colors. Here are a few activities my kids love doing around this time of year.
Good Food
One of my family's traditions during Holi week is to prepare a delicious batch of Indian donuts. They're super fun and easy to make with the whole family! I swear my kids have a different sense just for Indian donuts because the second they smell them cooking they come running!
Celebrate Holi With Tea India
I've joined with Tea India today to see how we can help you #makeitcolorful! Whether this is your first time celebrating Holi or your family does every year, we want to see how you're celebrating!Be sure to share your traditions and don't forget to tag us!
Are you looking for a way to authentically experience Holi this year? Pick up Tea India's Chai moments! Their delicious, single serving drinks are the perfect way to experience Holi this year.I start most of my mornings off with a cup of their Chai Moments Milk Tea. They're so easy to make and even my husband loves how authentic every taste is!Learn more about Tea India's fresh and new products by following them today! You may even see us pop up on their feed!
Vermicelli Kheer Recipe
The Dessert My Family Can't Get Enough Of
Dessert in my house is my children's family meal... Wait. No, that's a lie. It's my whole family's favorite meal!We look forward to it because we always make something delicious. It used to be once a week or so and now we have fun creating our little dessert concoctions each night.I love preparing the dishes with my kids. It's probably because I have countless memories making dessert with my mom as a kid. She was a single mom at the time and she knew how to make it special. We would make cookies, eagerly waiting to lick the beaters.Now, I get to carry on these same traditions with my little boys.
Simple Vermicelli Kheer Dessert
Dessert overall is delicious, but Indian desserts... Come on. They're delicious!Lately we've been making kheer. It's a delicious and simple to make Indian rice pudding. You can make it with rice or vermicelli like we do.The best part is the day after we make it. We usually make enough for one night and a bit extra. The next day everyone starts hiding the leftovers in the fridge and by everyone I'm including my husband! He and the kids start hiding it behind whatever they can in the fridge so the rest of them thinks it's gone.Then the lucky winner sits down with a cold bowl of vermicelli kheer while the rest of them gawk and beg for a bite!
Shan Foods Makes It Simple!
When my husband and I first got married, I had every intention of making Indian food frequently throughout the week. Sadly, the reality was much different. Traditional Indian dishes can take hours or even an entire day to prepare.As a busy momma to three little ones, I just didn't have the time. I needed help. Then I discovered Shan Foods.They make it possible for anyone to make traditional Indian dishes in no time! A few of our favorites are pav bhaji, karahi chicken, butter chicken, and lahori fish fry.
Follow Shan Foods Today
Enjoy Family Dinner With An Indian Fusion Cucumber Salad!
Dinner Time Is More Than Just A Meal
At the end of the day families start to wind down and put dinner on the table. Whether it's just you and your spouse or the entire family, dinner time is special.It's one thing most cultures across the globe agree on. Since marrying into an East Indian family, I've seen just how important meals are. Everything is created around them.Special events, birthday parties, engagement ceremonies..You name it and I bet you it's tied in with a big family meal. Dinner time isn't just about food, it's about community.
Creating memories together as a family.
As my kids are getting older, I'm finding it harder to have one on one time with them. We get so busy throughout the day with our own tasks that we forget to take time to spend with one another. It only gets more difficult as children get older.This is exactly why dinner time in our family is something we fight for. It would be easy to set up dinner in front of the TV and just relax from the chaotic day, but we choose not to. We choose to turn everything off and enjoy dinner together.It's the one time during the day that I have my children's undivided attention and they have mine.We've created memories around our dinner table. I look at it and see giggling children, silly conversations, and a happy family.Don't let life distract you from making memories with your family.What do you do during dinner time? Do you sit around the dinner table talking about your day? Do you ask silly questions like we do?
On The Table Tonight
Tonight, my family is enjoying delicious Bertolli® Chicken Florentine and Farfalle pasta served with a cumin and lemon cucumber salad. Can you say yum?!The best part of dinner tonight is that most of it is done for me! Bertolli® understands how busy families get and they don't want anything getting in the way of dinner time with the family. We picked up their family size pasta and simply had to fry it up on the stove.Within minutes it was done and the family started rushing into the kitchen asking what I was making.I even kicked things up a notch by adding in a refreshing salad.
Bring Bertolli® Into Your Home
Bertolli® understands how important meals are to the family. Their slogan even drives the message home!Don't just eat. Mangia! 
Mangia means eat in Italian. They're reminding families that dinner isn't just about good food. It's about having fun with your family and eating together.
** Kroger owns the following stores: Dillon, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, City Market, Kessel, King Soopers, Quality Food Centers, Ralphs, Smith's. Also Cala Foods, Bell Markets, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Food 4 Less, Hilander, Marianos.**
Bertolli® is a registered trademark of R&B Foods, Inc., used under license.
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Start Your Day With A Mango Lassi Smoothie!
Hectic Mornings And Mango Lassi!
Growing up, I never had the title of a Morning Person. I would sleep in as long as humanly possible, giving myself the exact amount of time I needed to get ready. Every minute of sleep counted and I did everything in my power to get as many as I could!Then it all changed the day I had my first son.As a mother, mornings are a whole different ball game. You don't just have to get yourself ready every morning, you have to get all the little people in your house ready! Not to mention help your husband find everything he can't seem to find on his own...In addition to getting them dressed, reminding them to keep their clothes on, you have to make breakfast!Most mornings in our house mean cereal. It's quick and easy. Not to mention my oldest can pour his own bowl! The day he learned to do that was a huge day in our family!The problem with quick breakfasts like cereal is that it's not always the most nutritious way to start of your kid's day. They need to have a rich breakfast that will help them get the energy they need at school or to get their day going at home.I started talking to my mother in law as well as my husband's Pinnis. I asked them what they give to their kids for good and nutritious breakfasts and their idea was just what we needed!They whip up simple mango lassis!Think mango smoothie, triple the taste, and that's what you get when you make a mango lassi. It's one of my favorite little pick me ups during the day and it's so good for you!
Simplify Your Mornings With BelVita Biscuits
We started whipping these up every morning and serve it with BelVita biscuits. It's great because they give our kids everything they need to start off their mornings! My favorite part... it's as quick as cereal and way better for you!I've had Mango Lassi smoothies in the past, but I always assumed they would be way too hard to make at home. If only I would have known how easy they were! My kids are obsessed with them! They used to associate them with their Umamma's house and now they think I'm the greatest mom for learning how to make them!Two mom points for me!
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What is your favorite BelVita Biscuit flavor?
Traditional Butter Chicken Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious chicken dish to warm you up over the holidays? If so I have the perfect meal for you! Butter chicken!
This post is sponsored by Shan Foods. As always all opinions are my own.
Winter Friendly Dishes To Warm You Up
Over the last few weeks, we have received about ten inches of snow! This means it's going to be a white Christmas! I've always loved this season. Probably because cold weather brings about some of my favorite things. I love cozying up in front of the fireplace, scarves, boots, and above all yummy dishes that warm you up from the inside out.
My family has loved all the tasty dishes we've been cooking up. A few of the dishes we've been cooking up are Pav Bhaji, Karahi Chicken, and Lahori Fish.
Last night we whipped up Butter Chicken! I can always tell when my family likes something I make based on what they do after their first plate is finished. If they struggle to eat the first plate I know the dish wasn't a success. However, if they ask for seconds I start doing a little happy dance!
My whole family was begging for seconds last night!
I love this dish because it only took me 45 minutes to make! Shan Foods designs their spice packs for busy families! Anyone can whip up traditional Indian dishes using their mixes. Whether you're in college trying to make something simple or you're just plain busy and need something quick to make Shan Foods is perfect for you!
This month they even have a killer deal perfect for every family! You can buy 3 Shan Food's Packets and get 1 free!
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See The Video Tutorial Here
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Be sure to follow Shan to stay updated on their new recipes and great deals!
Spoil Your Pet Over The Holidays With Krisers!
How To Spoil Your Pet Over The Holidays
The day after Thanksgiving, my kids started getting their Christmas lists together! They were on the hunt for every toy or game they saw. Whether it was on a commercial, grocery store ads, a movie, or even one of our books. They added it all!My kids are little and most of the time they're only worried about their own lists. This year their holiday cheer took over. They weren't just looking for their own Christmas toys, they started looking for people the loved!They begged me to take them to the store so they could choose the best toy for their sibling and of course mommy and daddy. The best moment was when they asked me if they could choose our dog Bella a present. They said they didn't want her to feel bad on Christmas morning when everyone had a gift except for her. Then if I wasn't sold already they said this...Momma, Christmas is the perfect time to show people how much we love them and I really love Bella. How can you even say no to that one?You can't. It was such a special moment as a parent. I loved seeing my boys so excited to do something for someone else. We decided to take it a step further this year. Instead of just getting her a present we sat down and made a list of ways we could spoil our puppy over the holidays.
Get Them Their Own Stocking
Get your special friend their own stocking this year and fill it with a few of their favorite things. We have ours filled with doggie treats and a few little toys. I'm pretty sure she can already smell it because she stares at it all day!
Puppy Pamper Time
Take your pup to your local Krisers for some puppy pamper time! You can schedule ahead and they do your pups nails and even give them a stylish holiday hair do! What dog doesn't want to go in for a little massage and mani/pedi?
Have Fun With Your Pup
Pick up a few new toys for your dog this year. You can grab something they haven't played with before or one of their favorites. The options are endless. Our dog's favorite is the toy you can fill with treats or peanut butter!
Take Your Pup On An Adventure
Load up the car and take your doggy friend on an adventure! We took Bella to our local Krisers! It was perfect! She was able to walk around the store, explore, meet some new friends, and she even got a few complimentary holiday cookies!
Holiday Pet Essentials At Krisers
Are you a pet lover like we are?If so, Krisers is perfect for you! This pet friendly store is run by the sweetest people! They eagerly wait for you and your family pet to come in and they take time to spoil them! I've gone in with and without my pet and I truly love this store. I went in this morning with my kids and the gal that worked there took us throughout the store to show us around.She helped the kids choose the perfect toy and we even got her something adorable to wear!I'm usually nervous to take the kids to a store with so much to touch and play with, but Krisers encourages it! They want you to look around and touch everything. They even let your pet sniff around to choose their own treats!Head over to your local Krisers today and see what your pets think!
Hosting Family Over The Holidays
As we welcome the holidays we need to focus on the special moments rather than some of the stress that can come along with it all. Here are a few tips to make sure you enjoy your holidays!
Hosting Your First Christmas
Hosting family for the holidays is something we look forward to, but comes with it's own set of stressors. There are so many things to think about and the last thing you want to do is be completely stressed out during the holidays. The holidays are the time to relax and enjoy the season with your friends and family.
Prepare Something Special For Your Guests
Before your guests arrive, prepare a little gift for them. I like to make a little basket for my friends and family when they stay with me. It's full of water, something sweet, face wash, tooth paste, shampoo, and conditioner. It helps to ensure your guests have everything they need while staying in your home.
Have Extra Snacks On Hand
When you're in your own home, you're comfortable enough to raid your own kitchen looking for something to eat. It's not always the case at someone else's house. Be sure to fill your pantry with simple snacks and let your guests know about it right away. Then they can feel at home without worrying over what they can enjoy.
Keep It Simple
It's always a desire to make sure your guests enjoy themselves. You want them to have a great time and you also want to spoil them. The problem with this is that the holidays are already hectic and adding too much can make it a stressful time rather than enjoyable. Do what you can to keep your schedules simple and relaxing when you can. More often than not it's the simple things people enjoy more than the hectic and busy days.
Plan A Few Structured Events
While doing your best to keep your guests time stress free, add in a few events. Whether it's taking them to a local tourist attraction or going to see Christmas lights. Plan a few events everyone can attend and make the most of your time out!
Develop A Quick 15 Minute Clean Up Plan
Hosting a few extra people in your home means double the mess. Before they arrive, develop a quick 15 minute clean up plan. Then you will be able to sporadically tidy up the house during the day without feeling like you have to clean the whole time.Bona cleaning supplies are just what you need. You can use their dry cloths to pick up anything on the floor and then do a quick mop with their wet cloths. They're great for a quick tidy up around the house! After you're done sprucing up your floors you can spend your time enjoying the simple moments during the holidays.
Giveaway
This year Bona wants you to enjoy your own simple moments with a giveaway! Enter to win today and you can get a $150 SpaFinder gift card or $100 worth of cleaning supplies from Bona!
What are your tips for hosting family over the holidays?
Lahori Fish Fry Recipe
It's that time of the month again, which can only mean one thing... A new recipe featuring delicious Shan Food spices! Our last two recipes have been Pav Bhaji and Karahi Chicken. Which one has been your favorite so far?
This post is sponsored by Shan Foods. As always all opinions are my own.
My Kids Have Been Waiting For Lahori Fish!
Growing up I was never a big fan of fish. The texture and the idea of it just freaked me out. Then it all changed while I was pregnant with my second son. I craved it all day long! I even went to an OB appointment demanding to know the type of fish I could have and exactly how much because I knew I'd eat every bit I could.I'm not as obsessed as I was while pregnant, but my love for fish was sparked. I realized it wasn't that I didn't like fish it was that I needed to have it made just right!This is why I was so excited when I saw that Shan Foods had a fish fry box! I picked it up right away and showed my boys, who then proceeded to beg me to make it for dinner!
Lahori Fish Recipe
[amd-yrecipe-recipe:6]
*All Shan Foods boxes can be found at your local Indian grocery store*
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#AD Surviving Winter With A Winter Toolkit
I have received information and materials from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WinOverWinter #CollectiveBias)
Stand Up Against Winter This Year
Growing up, I hardly got sick. When I did it was always kind of nice. I'd get one of those down in bed colds and my mom would take care of me all day. She would make me hot soup, tea, and watch Gilmore Girls all day.
Seriously, what could be better than a sick day at home in your own bed!
Now that I'm a mom and have kids of my own I'm realizing it's a whole different ball game! A sick child in my own home is a different story all together. It means trying to do everything in my momma powers to prevent my other kids from catching their siblings illness, but knowing they'll just pass it around anyways.
As a parent, having a sick child can be exhausting! You end up awake in the middle of the night taking care of them, doing everything for them, and it can take a toll on your body.
Stand Up To Winter With Our Winter Toolkit And A Few Family Tips
If you're not careful, the winter season can be taken over by illnesses, aches, and pains! Don't let it ruin your winter plans and be sure to follow our family tips!
Rest
The winter season can end up getting extremely busy. It's full of vacations, family visits, the Holidays, and so much more. One big reason families end up down during the holidays is a lack of rest. When you're not sleeping well, your immune system isn't as strong as it needs to be to fight everything around. Not to mention your body starts feeling all the little aches and pains! Be sure to rest up over the holidays!
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Hand washing is a good routine to have all year long, but make sure your family amps it up over the winter season. Have everyone wash their hands after they get home, before they eat, and anytime they touch your mouth. It will help to prevent anyone from sharing germs and hopefully prevent them from getting sick!
Build Your Own Winter Toolkit
Every year we build a winter toolkit. It has changed over the years to fit our families needs, much like yours will. It's helped us so much because we always have the essentials on hand. Whether you're trying to make sure you're ready to take care of any family members that fall under the weather or for loved ones that come and visit over the holidays.This year our winter toolkit contains tissues with essential oils, disinfectant wipes, immunity tablets, epson salt, tea, and Ultra Strength BENGAY®. Our winter toolkit helps prevent winter illnesses as well as takes care of any aches and pains mom and dad may have.My husband and I have already broken into the Ultra Strength BENGAY® this year. Whether it be from a long day of yard work or a busy day with the kids Ultra Strength BENGAY® always hits the spot. It gets down into the muscles and gets rid of those aches and pains! It gives mom and dad a little pampering at the end of the day just like they need!
Make Your Own Winter Toolkit Today
Make your own winter toolkit today by heading to Target and pick up everything you may need! Don't forget to add in Ultra Strength BENGAY®. It helps with any aches and pains you may have due to taking care of sick kids or staying up all night wrapping presents! It will end up being your favorite thing in your winter toolkit!
What are you going to add into your winter toolkit this year?
30 Ways To Spice Up Date Night!
Date night. The one time during the week where you can put everything aside and have some fun!When my husband and I first got together our date nights were always exciting. We were always thinking up new adventurous ideas. A few kids later and date night became just another thing we couldn't get to. We were so busy with the kids and work during the day that the idea of doing something extravagant (or anything other than binge watching something on Netflix) felt exhausting.It took us a while to realize just how important date nights are to our relationship.
This post is sponsored by Groupon Goods. As always, all opinions are my own.
Do We Really Have To Go On A Date
Parents joke about date nights all the time. They start to see it as something they used to have time for, but now it's not possible.Date nights are a luxury.In reality date nights are vital to a healthy relationship. Couples can get so focused on work, finances, and their kids that they forget to work on their relationship. Date nights help couples to keep the spark alive.Over the years, you and your loved one will change and date nights help you to grow together. It's an opportunity to talk, encourage each other, show each other that you're fighting for your relationship, get out of your day to day routine, and have fun!
30 Ways To Spice Up Date Night
Groupon Goods is here to help spice up date nights! They have countless deals to make sure you and your loved one can get out and have fun each week! Instead of just doing dinner and a movie, try something new! Here are 30 things Groupon Goods can give you a great deal on!My husband and I always check out our Groupon Goods app to find local deals! It pushes us out of our normal date night plans and helps us save money too!
- Tour your city
- Wine tasting
- Helicopter tour
- Planetarium
- Go bowling
- Ice skating
- Art lessons
- Attend a concert
- Go to a museum
- Go to a fun restaurant
- Get drinks
- Go dancing
- Brewery
- Watch a football game
- Try a workout class
- Relax at a spa
- Get a makeover
- Go shopping
- Comedy club
- Cooking class
- Beer tasting
- Zoo
- Dinner cruise
- Food tour
- Rock Climbing
- Kickboxing
- Jaz club
- Couples massage
- Watch a play
- Dance classes
Which one would you choose to spice up your date night this week!?
How To Stay Sane Over The Holidays
The holiday season has always been a busy time for families. Last year our family learned just how crazy it could get. Between the months of October and December we have 2 birthdays and 3 major holidays. It may not seem like too much, but keep in mind all five of these events require planning, some of them mean traveling, making elaborate meals, and parties.I feel like we're planning and hosting a part every other week!
10 Ways To Stay Sane Over The Holidays
This year my husband and I have decided to keep things simple. We want to let go of all the holiday stress and just enjoy it.
Give Group Gifts
When you're giving presents to different families, you can end up getting dozens of gifts for all the family members. Try to think bigger this year and give group gifts rather than all individual ones.
Don't Overextend Yourself
It's easy to overcommit to way too much over the holidays. You want everything to be perfect and take it all on yourself. Be sure to think about what your taking on. Is it possible with your schedule? Write it all out and decide on which tasks you can do yourself and what you can hand off to someone else.
Make A Holiday Budget
This is the perfect time to make a holiday budget. Think about any meals you may be hosting, if you have family planning to visit, presents, travel, etc. Make a realistic budget that you can try and stick to over the holidays.
Remember What It's All About
Sometimes we lose sight of what the holidays are about. We give in to the craziness and stress and forget. This year make sure you remember why you're doing it all.
Be Sure To Rest
The only way you will be able to get everything on your to do list accomplished is by taking care of yourself first. If you're only focusing on those around you and forget to rest you'll end up getting sick. Be your best this year by resting when you can.
Buy Presents Early
Plan out your gifts and purchase them early this year! If your kids are anything like mine, they already have their Christmas lists going. Take a look at the lists and buy something from it every pay check. This helps to spread it out and means you're not doing it all last minute!
Be Thankful
Take time every day to think about what you're thankful for this year. It's going to help you prioritize because you'll be thinking about what actually matters.
Take Time For Yourself
In addition to resting, take time for yourself this busy season. Find time to go out with a friend or go and get a delicious pumpkin spiced latte. Don't get so busy that you only think about those around you for the next few months.
Stay In The Moment
During the holidays a lot of us think about what's next. Instead of just focusing on the holiday at hand, we get lost in planning for the next one. Stay in the moment this year and relish in the holiday traditions, your kids, your family, and you'll be making memories that last.
Take A Deep Breath
At the end of the day, things will get crazy. Things may not go the way you planned, but it's ok. Take a deep breath and remember that no one is looking for a perfect holiday. They just want time with the people they love.
Incredibundles Is Just What You Need To Simplify The Holidays
Today I'm partnering with Incredibundles to make your holidays a little easier. They've done so much of the work for you and just want to help you find the best gifts for the littles ones in your life.Whether you're looking for a group gift for a family, a gift for a new dad in your life, or you're prepping for your holiday gifts early Incredibundles is for you!We got our first bundle last week and our kids loved it! We created our own and included age appropriate gifts for all of them! I love how many options they! They have year long subscriptions, one time bundles, essentials, and so much more!
What Does Incredibundles Offer?
First Time Daddy BundleOne Year Subscriptions (Books, Diapers, or Toys)Create Your Own BundlesLearn and Grow BundlesSleep BundlesBath Bundles
Incredibundles is giving away a free bundle! You can use this as a gift for the holidays, to spoil your kids early, or just something fun for a little one in your life! Be sure to enter in to win your own Incredibundle!
Spooky Ghost Garland
Our Spooky Halloween Decorations
Over the years, my kids have always been excited about Halloween, but this year has been completely different. My boys have been watching Halloween movies, begging for Halloween decorations, and counting down the days until they get to go trick or treating!We even decided to decorate our home for Halloween this year!When my boys first started asking me to make our home "spooky," I had no idea what to do. I was ready to buy all the decorations and just hang it all up! Then I noticed the price...Halloween decorations get expensive!I ended up going home and started racking my brain on simple and cheap ways I could decorate my house to be sure my kids had the spooky Halloween they had asked for!It ended up being way more fun coming up with fun decorations than it ever would have been to buy them all. Not to mention, my husband was much happier with the cost of homemade decorations!
Spooky Ghost Garland
This year, I am partnering up with Hefty to bring you simple Halloween decorations for your family!One of my kids favorite Halloween characters are cute and spooky ghosts. They are spooky enough without being scary and they are so simple to make!I decided to take it up a notch by turning our ghosts into a garland that we could hang up!There are so many ways you and your family can personalize your spooky ghost garland. You can draw faces on them, you find fun twine to use when hanging them up, or you wrap the garland in a tree outside!
Materials
Hefty Garbage BagsTwineScissorsPermanent Marker (If you'd like to draw faces)
Step One- Cutting
Ghost Body: Cut a strip from your Hefty garbage bag. You can make your strip as big or small as you'd like. Keep in mind this strip will be making your ghost. I made mine about 6 inches.
Cut your strips into large rectangles.Ghost Filling: Cut up the rest of your bag into small pieces to use as stuffing.
Step Two- Assembling
Grab a small bunch of your ghost filling and place it in the center of your rectangle.Gather up each side of your rectangle, keeping the stuffing in the middle. Then pinch your garbage bag, around the stuffing, and twist.Once your bag is twisted, lay it on your twine. Tie your twine right underneath your ghost's head and voila. Your first ghost!
Continue the process until your ghost garland is as long as you'd like!
Your Very Own Hefty Helper!
Hefty trash bags aren't only a must have for Halloween decorations, but they can stand up against anything! We use our Hefty trash bags every day!Our family needs our trash bags to stand up against toddlers dragging them out to the trash, strong odors, and a mom putting way too much trash inside. Regardless of your families needs, Hefty is here to help!They've even partnered with John Cena this year to show families just how strong their new Hefty Ultra Strong bags are!Have you ever experienced a torn trash bag and ended up with trash everywhere? I've had it happen too many times, but then we switched to Hefty. Now, I don't have to worry about tears or even smelling our trash!
Pick up your Heft trash bags today and don't forget to use this great coupon!
FX Better Things: Authentic Motherhood and A Giveaway!
When I was a little girl, I would dream about what it would be like to have kids. I've always loved kids. I went from babysitting all the kids in the neighborhood to working with children with autism. When I thought about having kids, I knew it would be amazing. I pictured my kids on special mommy dates, being told I'm the best mommy, and cuddling in my bed with them on Sunday mornings.Then I had three little boys and I realized what motherhood really is.
Motherhood is...
Staying up all night with a sick child. Stepping on Legos at 3 in the morning whispering every obscenity your mind comes up with. Getting spit up on repeatedly until you realize it's too much work to change your shirt and then you go around in spit up stained shirts for the next few months. Drinking cold coffee all day just to stay awake until nap time. Realizing you will never be caught up on laundry because your kids are little messy tornados. Knowing you love your new messy, chaotic, sleepless life. 
Motherhood is everything I imagined and everything I didn't. It's raw, real, and worth it.This is why I love the new Better Things show from FX. Most shows depict what we all thought motherhood would be like. Better Things shows what motherhood really is. The moments we pretend don't exist.Better Things is all about raw motherhood. They don't want to sugar coat it or make it into something it's not. It's hard, mothers everywhere are exhausted, and they love their kids more than anyone.
4 Times Better Things Showed Motherhood At It's Finest
"Get out of my room!"
There are so many times during the day where my husband finds me laying on my kid's bed. He looks at me dumfounded every time. Then he asks why I don't just hide out in our room. Probably because all three of my children congregate in their all day long!I'm constantly telling them to get out of my room, but I usually cave and go to theirs to be alone. Or the bathroom if we're going to be honest. The mother in this show, Sam tells her kids to get our of her room multiple times throughout the show! Do they listen? Of course not.
"Hide things from me! Please!"
The idea of our kids telling us everything is great. We raise them with the understanding that we're in their corner. We're here for them and they can trust us with anything. The moment it actually happens is another thing.During Better Things, Sam's daughter starts to tell her she wants to smoke pot and goes on to say she wants to tell her everything even when she wants to have sex. Sam's reaction, much like all moms, is perfect. She instantly freaks out and tells her daughter to hide things from her!The idea of an open and honest relationship with your children is beautiful, but the reality is exhausting!
"Mom. Can I ask you something?"
This is the question all moms fear. It's never good. It's never something as simple as we hope. The fact that they have to ask shows it's something they're worried for us to answer.Sam has three daughters in the show that all ask the scary question. Her face is priceless each time. She knows it's coming and waits...
"Keep your opinions to yourself."
This is one of my favorite scenes in the season premier. Sam is sitting on the mall bench with her daughter. She is losing it while Sam sits their looking at her phone. Next to her on the bench is an older woman staring and judging her relentlessly.As soon as Sam realizes what's happening she puts her phone down and stares back!"Do you want to go in and buy her the six dollar earrings she already has at home? Because that's why she's crying right now."No mother has gone without an incident like this. People tend to look in and have no idea what's going on. Instead of realizing they have no place to judge you, they judge away. I love that Sam completely calls her out on it! There are so many times I've wanted to do the same thing!!
What Are You Doing Thursdays at 10pm?
Put on your comfy sweat pants, grab a glass of wine or the whole bottle, and enjoy your new favorite show, Better Things! Take it up a notch and invite a few girlfriends over! This show is amazing and reminds you that you're killing it as a mother!
Better Things Swag Bag Giveaway!
Today, I'm partnering up with Better Things FX to give one of you the ultimate momma swag bag! You work hard every day and deserve this! This box is full of great goodies!To enter the contest, all you need to do is share a real and raw moment in motherhood that you've experienced. You can share it in the comments below!Don't forget to share the giveaway with other deserving mommas![tweetthis display_mode="box"]I just entered the #BetterThings giveaway! Enter to win your momma swag bag! #motherhood @almstindianwife [/tweetthis]The winner will receive...Ray Ban sunglasses, a Chipolo bluetooth keyring , a leather clutch , a hypoallergenic travel pillow, a lavander essential oils, a Better Things emergency bag, and a Better Things chapstick!Good luck mommas!
AD Back To School Tips With Tyson!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BoostBackToSchool #CollectiveBias
Parents everywhere are waving their kids goodbye as they begin another year of school. Some watch as their kids walk away asking themselves where the time went and others race away from school, turning up the music excited for some alone time! It doesn't matter where you fit in, school is still back in session.
As you enter into another busy year, I'm sure you're looking for a few back to school tips that can save you time and money. Don't let another day pass you by without trying these tips! I'm sure your family will thank you.
Back To School Tips
Tip #1 Schedule Time To Sit Down For Breakfast As A Family
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but often gets rushed and maybe even forgotten as parents rush to get their kids ready for school. This year make a goal to sit down for breakfast as a family. This allows your kids to start off their day with a healthy breakfast and quality time with the people they care about most.Our family loves to begin our day with Jimmy Dean® Croissant Sausage Egg Cheese. They're already prepared which is perfect for the back to school season. They're ready to go in under thirty minutes and not to mention it's all real ingredients. None of that fake egg stuff! They're done and your kids are ready for school with a full belly and excitement for another day at school.
Tip #2 Spice Up Your Kid's Lunch
Our family is always looking for creative ways to blend cultures; whether it's Bollywood themed birthday parties or delicious fusion dishes. This year we've decided to make some simple back to school lunches with an Indian kick. One of our favorites so far has been turkey and potato stuffed parathas with cilantro chutney. It's quick, easy, and you can make it in under thirty minutes. You can send it to school with your children or prep it for a homeschool lunch.In this recipe, we used Hillshire Farm® Naturals Slow Roasted Turkey Lunch Meat. It's one of our favorites because I'm always on the hunt for natural ingredients for my kids that they actually like! They can't get enough of this stuff!
Stuffed Turkey and Potato Paratha Recipe
Chutney Recipe
Ingredients:1 bunch cilantro1 green chili2 tbs lemon juice1 tbs sugar2 tbs water1 tbs oil
Directions:Combine all ingredients in the blender until smooth.
Start Saving Your Time And Money Today With Meijer!
Head over to your local Meijer today to pick up your Hillshire Natural Slow Roasted Turkey and Jimmy Dean® Croissant Sausage Egg Cheese. Meijer makes your grocery trip simple and gets your kids excited to drop by!Don't forget to clip your $2 off Back To School coupon as well as meet your neighborhood friend, Sandy!
