January 2017

Meal Plan Monday (1/23/17-1/29/17)

Happy Monday, everyone! This week is starting off to another sunny, and finally, chilly start here in Dixie. Well friends, what a weekend our nation has had! While my opinions on the matter are obviously not needed in a Meal Plan Monday post, it’s still worth noting that no matter what changes our nation will face in the days to come, there are still things that we can all do as families to help offset these changes, including meal planning and easy, simple shopping and recipe creation. I’m a firm believer that when things change I cling to consistency, especially my weekly meal plans!

This week’s menu again reflects our need to eat down our food stockpile. As we are having to consume everything we have on-hand first, we did not purchase anything new this week with the exception of fresh salad greens, cilantro, coconut oil, and organic nut milk. So in lieu of making individual meals, we are again using up pre-made freezer meals and frozen blanched veggies this week, which is enough to feed a family of three. I mean if it ain’t broke, right?

So here is what we will be having this week, friends!

Monday
Breakfast: Pecan Cinnamon Muffins with almond milk and grapes.
Lunch: Olive spread, with crackers, grapes, and almond milk.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Pioneer Woman Veggie Stir Fry, served with brown rice.
Dessert: Strawberry, stevia, and almond milk smoothies.

Tuesday
Breakfast: Avocado, Banana, and Almond Milk Smoothies.
Lunch: Olive spread, with crackers, grapes, and almond milk.
Snack: Grapes and String Cheese.
Dinner: Taco Salad and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.

Wednesday
Breakfast: Pecan Cinnamon Muffins with almond milk and grapes.
Lunch: Grilled cheese sliders, grapes, and Crystal light lemonade.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Easy Instapot Chili with brown rice, corn on the cob, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, stevia, banana, and almond milk smoothies.

Thursday
Breakfast: Avocado, Banana, and Almond Milk Smoothies.
Lunch: Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, steamed broccoli, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Grapes and String Cheese.
Dinner: Lasagna Roll-Ups, green beans, and tomato and cucumber salad.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.

Friday
Breakfast: Pecan Cinnamon Muffins with almond milk and grapes.
Lunch: Grilled cheese sliders with grapes and almond milk.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Crosant Veggie Pizza and crystal light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.

Saturday
Breakfast: Granola Cereal with strawberries and Almond milk.
Lunch: Grilled cheese and almond milk.
Snacks: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Chicken mole, served with steamed rice, corn, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.

Sunday
Breakfast: Banana pancakes, strawberries, and almond milk.
Lunch: Grilled Spaghetti, green beans, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Grilled Spaghetti leftovers, green beans, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.

Welcome to this week’s Happiness is Homemade Linky Party

This Week’s Features

Chicken Spinach Flatbread Wraps w Grilled Pineapple Salsa – The Not So Creative Cook

Deep Cleaning Your Home In Just 7 Days – Penny Pincher Jenny

Coconut Chocolate Chip Quinoa Bars – Healthy Helper Blog

The Best of Organizing A Playroom – Mess To Blessed

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How to save this January on Pampers

This post was made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that for more than 50 years, parents have trusted Pampers to care for their babies? It’s true! They’re the #1-selling diaper worldwide. Did you also know that each day, more than 25 million babies in over 100 countries around the world wear them? They do and not only that, Pampers offers families a complete range of diapers, wipes, and training pants designed to provide great protection and comfort for every stage of baby’s development.

Pampers also includes a wide range of products to fit every baby’s need including Swaddlers which lock away 2X more waste for up to 12 hours of dryness. They’re the only diapers with 3 absorbent layers compared to 2 layers in other leading national brands. Another awesome diaper to check out, Pampers Cruisers, the best-fitting diaper available, which will fit better around baby’s legs to help stop leaks!

I’m also happy to share with you all that you can get great savings on Pampers Swaddlers, the diaper brand that’s the #1 choice of moms! You can use this coupon to help you save $1.50 off of your next package of Pampers this January! Use this coupon to help you stock up on mom’s most loved diaper with these great savings too!

Also be sure to visit Pampers online to learn more about their range of products, join their Rewards program, and find ideas to help your baby get the most out of love, sleep and play!

So, everyone, what diapers do you use for your little ones? Will you take advantage of coupons and sales for diaper buying? I’d love to hear about it below!

Meal Plan Monday (1/23/17-1/29/17)

Happy Monday, everyone! This week is starting off to another sunny, humid, and unseasonably warm start here in Dixie. Though we are coming off of both my birthday and a three-day holiday, there’s no better way to start a week off then a well-thought out meal plan!

This week’s menu again reflects our need to eat down our food stockpile. As we are having to consume everything we have on-hand first, we did not purchase anything new this week, but in lieu of making individual meals we are using up pre-made freezer meals and frozen blanched veggies this week, which is enough to feed a family of three.

Welcome to this week’s Happiness is Homemade Linky Party

This Week’s Features

Chicken Tortilla Soup – Simply Stacie

Marbled Clay Ring Keeper DIY – Sum Of Their Stories

Tangy Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe – A Dish Of Daily Life

3 Tips To Ensure Your Dog Is Healthy – Urban Naturale

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My Winter 2017 Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe

Good morning, savvy savers. I know, I know, this post is a little late. But hey, life happens! Though we are in the full swing of the Winter season, it’s still a great time to discuss Winter plus size capsule wardrobes. So today I wanted to share with you all my finished Winter 2017 Capsule Wardrobe.

Just a few things to know about the creation of this capsule:

This capsule contains only 33-pieces.
This is a plus size capsule, but each piece could easily translate to a smaller, more petite capsule.
I no longer work in a corporate setting. As I’ve transitioned to fully working from my home office earlier this year. My capsule no longer includes clothes and accessories for a casual office setting.
I live in the deep south, which makes for mild, breezy falls, and minimal winter seasons.
Each item in my post will work with at least three other items.
I don’t follow an arbitrary numbers rule for my capsule wardrobe but instead, focuses staples.
Jewelry, including my necklaces, earrings, and wedding bands, are not counted in my capsule.
I will not be carrying a bag or tote this season, and will instead be taking my money envelope/clutch with me this coming season.
Also not included: two pairs of prescription glasses, a travel umbrella, and my various canvas totes for the library, groceries, and the weekend farmers market.

My current capsule wardrobe is built upon basic, year-round minimalist staples, all staples which remain in my closet year round. This current capsule also reuses several pieces from my Fall 2016 capsule as this current season is, shall we say, unseasonably warm, So this season I only needed to add a few more pieces to make for room for seasonally-appropriate outfits. Making this particular season’s capsule heavily reliant on three quality pairs of denim pants and numerous warm and cool weather scarves, many of which are handmade.

Also, while I am continuing my healthy living journey with PCOS, and in the process of losing more weight, I am looking to wear loose, simple layers that allow me to feel comfortable but yet still allow me to accentuate my style with seasonal, stunning color. I will be wearing all casual attire this season, including meetings, church functions, community activities, date nights with my husband, and the like.

This capsule reflects my current minimalist lifestyle and my plus size frame. For me, minimalism is a concept that can work with any size and with any personal style. This capsule and my personal stance on minimalism reflect’s just that, that in my current season of life, I am a work in progress. I love who I am. The beautiful woman who proudly wears a size 16 (this is my year of truth so I’m going to be proud of the skin and body I am in). This capsule reflects my personal taste alone and is meant to only give others an idea of what may work for their own minimalist capsule wardrobe.

So, without further ado here are my capsule wardrobe pieces:

Tops:

Basic white tank top.
Basic white tee.
Basic Black tee.
Cents of Style Life is Beautiful tee.
Basic White Poplin Dress Shirt.
Tan Cashmere Sweater.
Grey Tunic Sweater Dress.
Green Crochet Cacoon Sweater.

Accessories:

Blue Plaid Blanket Scarf.
Wool Orange Plaid Fringe Scarf.
Yellow Crochet Scarf.
Green Crochet Button Scarf.
Red crochet Scarf.
Grey and Beige Net and Fringe Scarf.
Tan Crochet Beret.
Cream Crochet Boot Cuffs.

Bottoms:

Cuffed Ripped Jeans.
Tuxedo Dress Jeans.
Dark Rinse Jeans.
Brown Fleece-Lined Tights.
Black Fleece-Lined Tights.

Outerwear:

Grey Fleece Jacket.
Dark Rinse Denim Jacket.
Red Wool Pea Coat.

Shoes:

Black Rider Boots.
Brown Rider Boots.
Grey Cowboy Boots.
Black Low-Rise Cowboy Boots.
Cognac Combat Boots.
Grey Slouch Boots.
Brown Clogs.
Black Mary Jane’s.
Red Suede Mocassins.

So, that’s it, folks! There is my capsule wardrobe for the several months. I am super excited by its simplicity and comfort. I am also looking forward to a more simplified, relaxed capsule this coming season. These pieces reflect lifestyle. minimalism is quality. The fewer pieces you own, the more often they will be worn. Not only that, you want a piece to last more than one or two seasons, you want to build a life wardrobe.

Overall, the one thing I tried to focus on in terms of this capsule, and minimalist clothing capsules, is quality. Each piece in this capsule will last more than one or two seasons. This is more than a seasonal capsule, this is part of my life wardrobe. These pieces are easy to launder at home. These pieces bring joy to my life and ease to my mornings. These pieces are frump-free and fabulous. And in terms of a capsule wardrobe, are all I could ask for.

So, everyone, I hope this post will be a good reference in helping you to establish an affordable, easy stylish wardrobe this Fall and Winter. I encourage you all to look into creating your own version of the capsule wardrobe as well.

Here’s to being comfortable in all your own clothes,

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3 Reasons you need self-care in your schedule each day

“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”

Running a household is stressful. From working from my home office to trying to mother the masses, there always seems to be something that needs to be done. Always one more list to write and one more task to finish, and those are just my chores and tasks!

Then there are the issues that come from sharing your space with family. From temper tantrums to healing boo-boos to cleaning up after the trails of things my husband leaves around our home. You know the drill. Messes. Lots and lots of messes. The kind of messes that made our home always feel a touch on the hectic side.

So it goes without saying that being a WAHM can be stressful and over time that stress can begin to take a toll on your health and disposition. Personally, this stress caused me over time to become grouchy, look how tired, and appear rundown. Worse still was the guilt. The guilt of thinking that I needed to put my self-care on the shelf to spend time with family. It took me years to realize that guilt-free self-care was vital to my personal growth as a person. That I didn’t need to feel guilty about taking the time to sit down with a book, take a hot bath, listen to a podcast, or binge out with Netflix. Then one day it dawned on me, that I needed that

This was time, I needed to help me be a more relaxed and well-rounded person and here are three reasons why you need self-care in your life as a woman, wife, and mother:

1. You to recharge your batteries. When you’re a wife and parent, your mind is always going. You think about meals need to be planned, the laundry that needs to be folded, and school functions that require you to volunteer at the school. This is especially true for those like me who are introverts. Your mind and body need time to recharge, to reset your mood, to quelch the what if’s of your mind. You need to rest!

2. It makes you a better person. If you’re constantly thinking of others and not yourself, it inevitably leads to resentment. And no one suffers from this embitterment but you. But if you take that break, you feel refreshed. revived, and reset You will also be able to think in a more rational, levelheaded manner. You may even be able to, maybe just maybe, tackle that pile of laundry with a little pep in your step.

3. You’ll reset the temperature of your home. When I schedule time in my day to take care of myself I am a better person. I smile more often. I find that by taking a half hour for myself a few hours before my family comes home allows me to be able to set the temperature of my home, to create a more cozy, happy home. Sometimes I color in my adult coloring books. Sometimes I watch the Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Sometimes I take a 15-minute speed nap. Just a little something every day to help me be the best woman I can be. And why you may ask? Because it’s how I take care of myself. You know the saying,

Now you may be asking if this is something you really need to be doing? Yes, it is. You know the saying, happy life, happy wife. When you take time for yourself, it helps prepare your mind, body, and soul to be receptive to helping care for others as well. I also find that the opposite is true. When I do not invest time in my day for myself. My mood changes and others notice this. My mood also tends to trickle to everyone else in the family, which is not fair to anyone else. So for their sanity, and my own, self-care is a must for me and I cannot encourage you enough to do the same for yourself!

In addition to self-care, there are also things around the house you can do to help make your days run as smoothly as possible as a mom. Luvs helps make life easier so you can find more time for not just self-care but for snuggles, cuddles, and the like as well!

What’s really awesome now is that Luvs recently introduced the new and improved Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™ that are softer and more absorbent than ever before, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection, and a money-back guarantee. Making Luvs a sure bet for quality diapers with less cost than premium brands.

As the go-to brand of experienced parents, Luvs is committed to providing moms and dads with value. They recognize that parenting can be difficult, but diapering shouldn’t be. Luvs also recently conducted a formal poll of moms across the country to take a look at parenting like it really is and uncover what they truly value most, and now you can use this coupon for $1.00 off the new Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™, available in most grocery stores nationwide.

Be sure to stock your home with products like Luvs can help me to make your life easier. But also remember to take time out for yourself. Do what you love. Recharge your batteries. Love yourself first so that you can better love your little ones later. Remember, you deserve it!

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This post was made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

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