Hey y'all!
Looking for some healthy snack ideas for the kids? Then look no further. These healthy snacks are perfect for kids and their busy bodies. Summer has arrived and those kiddies are probably even more hungry now than ever since they are playing more, swimming more and of course lounging around doing nothing lol.
I don't know about your kids, but if they are anything like mine then they would rather snack all day than have an actual meal. The only time they really want to sit and eat is around dinner time. Probably because my husband is an amazing cook. My kids thrive off snacking.
Recently, my husband became a permanent work from home employee and while I am only part time, my days are very busy and can be very long. So, in an effort to make sure they are still eating healthy snacks and not cause disruption during our "business hours", I decided to take snacking to a whole new level for the kids.
A snack cart!
Having a snack cart will give the kids options throughout they day, me peace of mind knowing it's not all junk (which we rarely buy) and ensuring that they are taken care of while daddy and I are busy at work.
But what all should go on a healthy snack cart?
Well that really depends on you and your family's preference and needs. For our family, fruity snacks, plenty of water and fulfilling items are a must. So, I made sure to include as many of those types of things as possible.
To start your snack cart off right, make sure you have something that is sturdy, easily moveable and spacious enough to host a variety of things. I picked up this utility cart from Target for only $35 ( yay gift cards!) My SIL has one that is similar from Ikea and she said it is roughly the same price.

Next I stocked up on some spring water and flavor enhancers so they can shake it up a bit. We have been trying to cut out excess sugar by switching to flavored water or enhancers. This way- they will still get plenty of water but it won't be so boring.

After that, I grabbed their favorite fruity snacks. Apple sauce, fruit strips and of course some fruit snacks. I tend to alternate some of these from time to time but I was already at Target so I just grabbed everything from there.
Finally, I picked up the fulfilling items. Carbs and healthy fats! Thai loves pistachios so I grabbed a big container of those. Then I headed to the bulk section and grabbed Cliff bars, pop corn, gold fish and pretzels. The kiddos love all of these healthy snacks!


I also grabbed some party bowls from Dollar Tree to make sure that they had something to pour their snacks in and two storage containers to keep the things that are not packaged stored securely. 
Overall, I am pretty pleased with this healthy snack cart idea for the kids. My goal is to keep it fully stocked at all times for them to enjoy the things they love without going overboard or sacrificing healthy options for junk.
What do you think of this snack cart idea? Would this be something you would implement in your home? What would you add/take away? Let me know in the comments below.

Hey y'all
I don't know about y'all- but these past few months have been beyond stressful. My mental health has struggled which in turn has made sleeping seem like a thing of the past. Thankfully these 4 apps have helped me reduce my stress and regain a more peaceful sleep that is not anxiety driven.
As a mom (now a working mom), my plate is constantly full. Between work and home life there never seems to be enough time in the day to complete my to do list. So- at night when I get ready for bed, my head is constantly spinning with tasks I need to complete the next day, when I need to run to the store, what I need to do before the weekend and so on...
HELLO STRESS!
With my head spinning every night, I would eventually fall asleep- over stressed and anxious, only to wake up the next day sluggish, tense and sometimes with a headache. One night after struggling to get comfortable and relaxed, I saw an ad for one of these apps and they talked about how it helped reduce stress and improved relaxation. So I decided to give it a try!
After a few weeks of using these 4 apps, I noticed I was falling asleep faster and waking up more refreshed. Plus, when I would play them during the day, I would also feel more at peace and more focused when trying to complete a task. These 4 apps definitely helped with my day to day stress,
So... what are the 4 apps to help reduce stress  you ask?

1. The Bible App- I know this app might not be for everyone but I think it is one of the best Bible apps around. Each day it provides you with a scripture of the day so you can reflect and meditate on it. I love how the verses are different each day. Plus, there are videos that go a long with scriptures to really bring God's Word to life. This app definitely helps me focus on the big picture while keeping me in the Word and encouraging me day to day.


2. Calm- This app is great for soundscapes! Sure they have other features like stories, meditation and things like that. But the one thing I love about this app is it has a variety of white noises that are calming and comforting. I personally choose the thunderstorm one at night to emerge myself into a peaceful nights rest.

3. Headspace- This app also has meditation and sleep techniques inside. However, the reason I use Headspace is for the stories. I love the soothing voices and the soundscape behind it. When I have had a really trying day and I know the next day is going to be long, I play a soothing story that is set on a rainy day and I am OUT lol. I always feel so relaxed as soon as the narrator begins speaking. 

4. Spotify- Music is another way to reduce stress and add encouragement to your day. I used to use Pandora, but I recently switched to Spotify. Both are great music apps, however, Spotify does give you more control when selecting your music. I have a playlist full of my favorite uplifting songs that are encouraging and positive. Create a playlist of some of your favorite calming and uplifting songs let the music help you relax and destress. 
Stress can be very overwhelming and it can definitely take a toll on your mind and body. During this wild time, having an outlet of some sort always helps. These apps are great outlets for me. I am able to relax, destress and feel encouraged with one tap. Gotta love technology huh lol.
So let me know..
How have you been doing during this pandemic? Are you over stressed and full of anxiety? How have you been dealing? Feel free to let it out or celebrate the positive notes in the comments. While I have been crazy stressed, I have to be honest.. I have had great moments that definitely made me see the positive during this year. 
I truly hope you found this blog post to be helpful and that you use these 4 apps to help reduce stress ( or at least one of them ;).

Hey, y'all! 

Spring is officially here and you know what that means.. warmer weather, fresh air, and trips to the farmers market. Another thing about spring is the amazing combinations of fresh produce that seem to go hand and hand with these warmer months. Thus making salads a star through the spring and summer months!

Is there one food that you just love no matter the weather, or time of year? Yes? ok, then we are on the same page lol. For me it is Salad! I consider myself a salad connoisseur, I could eat a salad all day every day for every season. So, it's only right I shared some of the BEST salads for spring!

These salads  (as with most food) are great in appropriate portions as well as nutritious. So grab a notepad, pencil, marker..... crayon.... lol, whatever you write with, and start making that grocery to pick up some of these key ingredients to make the best salads you will ever eat!

(ps, this was originally written before many stores were limiting hours, produce, and availability due to Covid- 19. If reading this, please stay safe, indoors, wash your hands, and only shop if needed. You can always PIN this for later :D )

Now, let's jump right in with this list of the best salads for spring, starting with my personal favorite, the Berry Almond Chicken Salad!

Get this recipe from Joyful Homemaking

1. Berry, Almond Chicken Salad- This spring salad is my favorite for many reasons. I personally love the strawberry and Asiago cheese combo. It is something that you wouldn't think to put together. I first had a berry almond chicken salad at Wendy's a few years ago believe it or not lol. Once I had it, I immediately went to the store and grabbed all the ingredients to make this mouthwatering salad at home. This salad contains blueberries, strawberries, sliced almonds, Asiago cheese, grilled chicken, and raspberry vinaigrette atop a bed of spring mix. Truly one of the best springs salads ever. 

Cobb Salad from Food Network

2. Cobb Salad- Another favorite of mine is the Cobb Salad. I make this one regularly simply because it has ingredients we use almost daily. It is full of protein and is actually on the cheaper side for most salads. For a cob salad, grab some romaine lettuce, boil up some eggs, bacon bits( we use turkey bacon and make our own bacon bits), chicken, cheese, and tomatoes. Traditional Cobb salads also use avocado and blue cheese but we happily omit those ingredients. As a side note and fair warning... blue cheese and avocados are big no's for me! 

Chicken Waldorf Salad from Pioneer Woman

3. Waldorf Salad- The Waldorf salad is light, fresh, and crunchy.. the perfect combination for a spring salad! When I first had this salad I wasn't much of a fan. After a few more times here and there, I started to appreciate its uniqueness and combo of sweet and tart flavors. A Waldorf salad consists of apples, walnuts, chicken, celery (I am not a fan of celery lol), and green leaf lettuce. You can also add fresh fruits like dried cranberries, raisins, or pomegranate seeds.

Recipe from Downshiftology.com

4. Berry Spinach Salad- This simple salad can be enjoyed with or without meat. Spinach, strawberries, apples, and a light vinaigrette are all you need. If you do decide to add protein, chicken or chopped walnuts go perfectly.

Southwest Salad from McCormick

5. Southwest Salad- Another delicious salad in spring is southwest. Fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, onions, corn, black beans, and steak make this a huge crowd pleaser. I like to serve mine with avocado ranch or drizzle with regular ranch and BBQ sauce. 

Chef Salad from Sargento

6. Chef Salad- A chef salad is a pretty basic salad, but when you throw in a few extra items, it really takes it over the top. For my chef salad, I use turkey or chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, boiled eggs, tomatoes, raisins, sunflower seeds, and crackers. Whenever we head to a salad bar, this is one of the first things on my plate!

Recipe from Dinnerthendessert.com

7. Chicken Salad- In my house, we go back and forth from tuna salad and chicken salad. Yes, I know these are technically not a salad, but they are delicious! Over the years I have become more and more fond of chicken salad. For one, it's easy to make and it's very inexpensive. Second, it is very fulfilling and nutritious. In my chicken salad, I use fresh chicken, boiled egg whites, mayo with olive oil ( so GOOD), yellow mustard, diced onions, and Best Maid pickles. I'll tell you like I tell everyone. Best Maid Pickles are THEE BEST! My husband likes to eat this chicken salad with crackers or bread. I personally love putting some on a leaf of romaine and eating it as a wrap!

Recipe from Betty Crocker

8. Steak Caesar Salad- Forget Chicken Caesar Salad. Steak Caesar Salad is king in my book! Especially when the steak is cooked to perfection. Add some salt and pepper with a squirt of lemon and you are ready to go. This is another go-to salad when we are dining out at places like Outback or Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.

Recipe from Foodie Crush

9. Greek Salad- I have tried to make a Greek salad many times. Every time I do, something always ends up missing. So for this one, I ALWAYS enjoy this one outside of the home lol. Most Mediterranean/ Greek restaurants offer traditional Greek Salads which consist of greens, onions, olives, tomatoes, feta, and a cucumber dressing. My favorite place to grab a Mediterranean salad is Kebabs To Go. So if you are ever in the DFW area.. you must stop by!

Recipe from Hungry Enough to Eat Six

10. Fruit Salad- Nothing says spring like a fresh fruit salad. My personal favorite is strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, and blueberries with a little honey drizzle or a dollop of Greek Yogurt. Talk about dessert/snack/salad all in one lol


There are so many ways to make a salad great... these are some of my personal faves that are perfect for Spring! What is your favorite? Have you tried these? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y'all!

As Summer approaches, we are all likely to take more road trips. The kids are done with school, you have some time off or you just really need a summer break to that favorite beach you have been dreaming about all winter. Whatever the reason being, you will spend most of your time either flying or driving.

If you happen to be a family that prefers the road, then you know just how easy it is to load up on junk when you stop for gas or pass the 975,937,924,345th fast food joint! We all know they harbor some of our favorite indulges and they are super convenient. But when you are on the road for hours and sometimes days, it can be a bit much. You definitely start to feel it as the day goes on and the more junk you take in.
My family takes about 3 road trips a year, each one lasting a grueling 5-8 hours or more. My longest was 22 hours and let's just say... I didn't want to return home because it was such a long drive lol.
Much like clock work, the moment you hit the road someone yells out " I'm Hungry!" and then it all goes downhill from there.

So, as my family and I prepare for another road trip, I wanted to share with y'all some of the best and healthy snacks for a road trip!

When you think about healthy snacks for kids, your mind may start to spin with many different factors. " Are they really good?" " Are they cost effective?" " Are they fulfilling to my kids?" "What do I want?" .

This list of the best and healthy snacks for road trips are some of our favorites and can be purchased at Aldi, Target, Walmart and of course your local grocery store.

1. Pretzel Slims- I make sure I add these babies to our road trip snack lineup all the time! The kids can snack on a few slims by themselves or pair them with some of the other snacks.

2. Grapes- Fresh, clean grapes are perfect for the road. They are easy to store and don't produce much waste so clean up is a breeze. Going to be hot out? Pop them in the freezer for a cool treat!

3. Carrots- Like the grapes, carrots are also a zero waste snack and super healthy!

4. Bananas- Bananas can be a bit messy if not handled with care and if the peels are not disposed of properly. Just ask my backseat from 2014. I make sure to stock up on these because they are very fulfilling and are mostly under 40 cents a pound!

5. Pop Corn- Popcorn is definitely one of the messiest thing on this list, I mean it can get everywhere! However, popcorn is low in calories and a great healthy snack for a road trip!

6. Frozen Yogurt- Yogurt tubes are the best, especially when they are frozen!

7. DIY Lunchables- Whenever we have long road trips, I always try to plan ahead and make lunchables with deli turkey, cheese and crackers. Then I grab a few choices from the ones above or below.

8. Banana/ Oat cookies- These are some of the healthiest cookies you will ever get. 2 bananas, 1 cup of oats, peanut butter and chocolate chips! They are the perfect balance of healthy and sweet! The perfect healthy road trip snack for kids!


9. Snack bars (larabar, kind, clif etc)-Packing a few of these bars are great for in between meal times.

10. Chicken Salad- Since my kids are older, I can trust them with a container of chicken salad in the car along with some crackers for lunch. If you have smaller ones, you can pre make the chicken salad and make individual sandwiches beforehand or, if you plan on taking small breaks outside of gas and restrooms, you can dish it up then!

11. Apple Slices- You can either cut your own or buy them pre sliced, either way these are great! Every now and then, I'll spring for the ones that are pre sliced with a serving of peanut butter!

12. Celery- This is definitely my least favorite of the list! Celery however is another great, mess free road trip snack!

13. Cheese sticks/cubes- Cheese is one of my favorite road trip snacks! Cheese is a fulfilling and healthy road trip snack for kids and adults.


14. Pre made salads- I love a cool fresh salad. PERIOD! A salad is a great healthy road trip snack for adults.

15. Nuts- My Thai has been all about cashews lately... but nuts like almonds, pistachios and so on are some of the best, healthy road trips snacks, EVER!


16. Veggie Straws- My kids are huge salty snack people. So to limit the amount of junk but still satisfy their cravings, I opt for veggie straws or veggie chips!

17. Boiled Eggs- Eggs are full of protein and if you are like me ( an egg lover) then you will definitely want to add these to your healthy snack arsenal.


18. Rice Cakes- Another one of our favorite healthy road trip snacks, or really any time, is rice cakes! The ones from Aldi are an absolute fave! My kiddos opt for the caramel flavored ones!

I hope this list was able to give you some inspiration for your next road trip! What are your favorite healthy road trip snacks? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y'all!

If there is one thing us moms want, it's to raise happy and healthy kids. One way to ensure that is by making sure that they are getting their daily dose of veggies. I know right?! A kid and veggies is like playing a gruesome game of tug -of- war!

I'll be the first to admit it.. growing up, I was not the poster child for health. I hated veggies and I would gag if I was within spittin' distance lol.  I hated everything about them! The smell, the color, the taste, did I mention the SMELL?! Veggies were pretty non existent in my diet outside of a basic salad, green beans or a pickle lol.

When I became a mom, I knew that those bad habits would be an issue with my kids if I didn't intervene at a young age. So that is what I did! From the time that they were all able to eat food, I made sure that vegetables were at the forefront of their diet. As a baby, it can be easier to get them to eat them; but as they get older, your kids start to understand the differences between foods they like and dislike.

 So, making sure they get their veggies can be a challenge.

But fear not! There are a few ways that I have been able to trick  incorporate veggies into their diet in yummy ways! So, get that paper out and start making your new grocery list!



1. Smoothies-
The number one and obvious choice is smoothies! I use smoothies as a way to incorporate vitamin rich spinach and broccoli into a delicious treat. One of our favorite combos are :

Hey y'all! How has y'alls January started off?! Mine has been busy already and there are no signs of slowing down! I finished my first 5k of 2018 Sunday and I'm not going to lie, it was HARD! I haven't ran that long in almost two months! But, I did it and I felt great after!

When I was going through my kiddos school stuff trying to get everything organized, I was thinking about how I could cut down our schedule to ensure I was able to get to the gym everyday. My big 3-0 is coming up and I am trying to shed as much as I can and build my strength and stamina up. Plus, I am wanting to make sure that I am picking healthier options when snacking, eating out or when I'm just dog tired lol.

When I was thinking about my day to day activities and the time it takes to complete most of my daily tasks, I am left with barely any time! So I started to think.... maybe on my busy days I can skip the gym..

SAY WHAT?!

Yup, that's right! Those days where I am too tired or I am running on seconds of time, I will be skipping the gym. Don't get me wrong, I love the gym! It is my "safe place". I can let go of my daily stresses and just have some quiet time with heavy metal lol ( not the music, the weights). But there are times when just thinking about going to the gym makes me resent it. Then I feel bad and I get mad at myself... then somehow I end up with chocolate and having a heart to heart with my hubs about how I just want to be fit and eat whatever I want lol. I know.. I have issues!

So, what I have decided to do now is instead of stressing over making it to the gym, I will be incorporating these awesome, full body workouts at home! No commuting, no waiting for machines and no constant fear of people judging you. If there is one thing I HATE about the gym, it's all the looks I get when I am working out. Yes, I am overweight and running, yes I am overweight and lifting, yes I am overweight and doing 260+ on the leg press. I mean, isn't that why I am here??? To lose weight and get in shape?

Anyway, enough of my mini rant lol! Here are 13 simple workouts you can do in your own home without equipment and judging eyes lol! Plus, my little Thai is here to help demonstrate with me! Isn't she cute!?

1. Burpees- These are great for the whole body. Want to take your burpee up a notch? Add a jump!

2. mountain climbers- Also great for the whole body. Bring knee to chest and alternate. Try going as fast as you can to get that heart rate up!

  

3. Squats- The key to a great squat is a straight back and toes pointing upward!

   

4. Jumping jacks- Try doing a JJ ladder. Start at one and go to ten with a squat between each set. ( 1 JJ, squat, 2 JJ, squat, 3 JJ squat etc...)

5.Stairs- Stairs are one of the best workouts you can do! Try doing as many sets as you can!

 

6. Run outside- Running one mile is great for a warm up and burning fat!

  

7. Lunges- Like the squat, a straight back and toes to the sky are key!

  

8. Planks (L,M,R)- Planks are great for balance and muscle tone. Try doing a middle plank like Thai is below. Then switch to your left and then your right!

  

9. Crunches- Make sure you protect your neck and look up! Keep your elbows out and use your stomach to lift you.

  

10. High Knees- The higher the better! High knees help with speed and agility!

  

11.Wall sits- Wall sits are great for the legs and keep some of the strain off the back. If you struggle with squats, try wall sits!

  

12. Bridges- Great for the legs and glutes, bridges can be done in two ways! A regular bridge is when both legs are on the ground and hips are off the floor. Challenge yourself with raising one leg off the ground.

  

13. Leg/ Arm Raises- This workout is great for your legs, back, core and arms. Extend opposite leg and arm out and alternate.

  

There ya have it folks! 13 simple workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home! Try doing 2 sets of all of these workouts a day! If these are too easy, you can add weights or reps! What workouts do you enjoy doing at home? Let me know in the comments below!