Whole 30 and me

To start off this will be a boring post without any pictures unless I give a weekend update. My uncle, his wife and 6 kids visited this weekend! It was so nice having them here!! They never come this way we always go to them, so a nice change of pace. Pretty much the only excitement we had was Saturday. My parents picked me up after work and we headed to Greenbluff (a mash of farms and pumpkin patches near here). We only had time for one farm that day. My uncle and his family went into a corn maze while Mackenzie and I played in the pumpkin patch. We also looked around a little with my mom, dad and aunt, and tried a pumpkin doughnut. Mondo and I plan on heading back in a couple of weeks for a family day there and to get some pumpkins!

Mackenzie loved LOVED the pumpkins! I knew she would, she always points them out. She especially loved the "yittle" pumpkins. It wasn't a large pumpkin patch just an area where they placed a bunch of pumpkins, so at one point I just sat down nearby and let Mackenzie run and climb all over. She was having fun, ran by me and I yelled; "Where are your shoes?". Luckily they were together nearby. She also sat down next to me in the midst of a bunch of pumpkins and said; "a punkin for kenzie and a punkin for baby sister." She has been doing that a lot lately, talking about baby sister and doing things for her. So, cute and sweet!

Mackenzie lined up all the "yittle punkins"

Ok, onto the title of the post whole 30. As you are reading this I am in the midst of Day 1 of my whole 30 diet. I decided to do this after my morning sickness with baby number 2 ceased and I was still eating like a pig, not healthy choices either. I had seen a blogger post on it and did some research. This fit all my needs it would help kick the sugar monster, I didn't need to count calories, and it would be safe for me and baby since I am just eating whole foods. I was going to start in September but, one of my friends strongly suggested I read the book first. So, I waited to check out the book at my library first before I started. That is how I came up with the Oct begin date. At, the dinner table I had been talking about what foods I could and couldn't eat, the testimonies in the book as well as online, and other stuff when my mom declared she thought the whole family should do it together. So, my mom, dad, grandma, husband, aunt and daughter are all participating in the Whole 30 together. I am super excited for doing this with Mackenzie, since the age of 1, she has had eczema on her knees and elbows. The Whole 30 has had success with ridding the eczema and finding the source of it, since it almost always deals with a food allergy. 

So, I am jumping in and am super excited, nervous, dreading, fearful, of the challenge of this diet. I will post updates every once in awhile as to my challenges and success along the way. After this month I plan on trying again in the first month of baby number 2 to see how it will effect my milk before returning to work. Most women report an increase in supply! This might be something I keep up at work to keep my milk supply up. I also plan on the challenge of this to reset my system and jump start me into making better food choices for myself and my family. I am not doing this to lose weight, that pretty much is impossible since I am growing a baby, but to create a healthy life style. 

Here is the website for Whole 30, you don't have to read the book to do it, but I highly recommend it. It helps explain why certain foods are being cut out, and how to healthy bring them back in while paying attention to what they do to your body. I also will post a few links to some recipe sights, I can't eat the same foods for 30 days in a row (blech), I am excited to try some of these.

Whole 30

Nom Nom Paleo

Stupid Easy Paleo

If you are on instagram look up #whole30 for a lot more recipes and resources. 

Valentine Activities

I had spread out all our Valentine activities through out the month and instead of posting them in individual posts I decided to combine them.

Early in the month we had some snow fall. I had been wanting to make snow cream, so I ran out stuck a bowl in the front yard and snow cream was made (tutorial to come)!! Mackenzie loved it, and since I added valentine sprinkles I felt this made it a valentine activity.

Week before Valentine's day we made glitter hearts.

One wall in my kitchen was screaming for a big chalkboard. Since I haven't been able to find a frame I liked to make my own I made a cheap one to use until I find the perfect frame (tutorial to come). Mackenzie decorated the hearts. Essentially, I just cut out a bunch of hearts from construction paper, taped them down and let her "paint" the glue on, then glittered. She loved it!!

The day before Valentine's one of Mackenzie's friends hosted a tea. So we went to that, there they got to make valentine's and eat pink cinnamon rolls.

Finally, Valentine's day. Mondo and I decided we are going to make a shutterfly book. We just haven't done that yet. Hopefully soon! Here is what we did get each other and Mackenzie.

We were going to make Red velvet pancakes, then Mondo mentioned donuts. So we went to a local donut shop, so fun and cute!!

Of course after that we went to the gym but not before taking some more pictures.

That concludes most of our Valentine's festivities.

I have a ton of posts coming up you won't want to miss out! A new series fight like a girl, new one piece four ways, one diy, and a weight loss update!

I love because He first loved me,

Dorinda

Our Christmas!

Hey, Everyone our Christmas was a whirlwind of busyness, and I was determined to enjoy every last minute of it!!

Here was how our house was decorated this year. Minus Mackenzie and our room. Mackenzie's room I put up her pink tree from last year and hung some snowflakes above her bed!

Mackenzie's tree

washi tape decor

It all started with Mackenzie's bestie coming over on Monday. I had her all day and it was a blast!! The only bad thing was with 2 toddlers by yourself you can't take pictures! boo!!!

playing with washi tape

The girls' had a busy day. We wrapped presents, after I wrapped them in craft paper they stuck stickers on them. We baked chocolate chip cookies for Santa, also made homemade play dough. After the nap they tested the cookies with some "hot cocoa" chocolate milk with marshmallows in it. They also played with washi tape. Seriously though this is the best way to entertain a toddler, I also have used painter's tape. Just stick a bunch of strips on a table and let them peel and stick on.

Tuesday (Christmas Eve) we always spend with his sister, my BFF! Usually we cook a nice meal but, since me and hubby had to work, panda it was! After dinner we put on pj's and opened presents! Then off to look at lights! When we came home I still hadn't wrapped any presents, so time to wrap.

christmas pj's

opening gifts with aunty

cats loved the boxes!

Christmas morning we opened stockings in bed! Favorite tradition! Then came up and opened Mackenzie's presents before family came over. I made apple crisp oatmeal for breakfast with bacon (what is a holiday with out bacon?), we also had "special juice"; which is juice with more that one flavor. My family came over for breakfast and after breakfast we opened more presents. Although Max saw one of her presents before breakfast and loved it!! Her little happy dance is so cute, I must get it on video!! That was her new wagon my parents got her! Mondo and I can't wait to use it!! It also has like ski things to put on to use in the snow. I am going to see if I can track down a canopy for it for summer use!  I will post another blog on what our favorite presents were, I don't want to take up to much of your reading time! 

stockings

new headband!

opening gifts with mommy and daddy

Add caption

her with her new wagon!

playing with gramma and granty before breakfast

she moves too fast for pictures

Of course after breakfast and family leaving we napped, then went to my mom's house for a super yummy dinner! And we also skyped with his family in Minnesota!

attempt to get a family pic

her outfit

another shot

Day after Christmas we all went over to my cousin's house for our day after celebrations. This is probably one of my favorite things! We eat leftovers and play games with extended family! LOVE IT!!

How was your holiday? I have a lot of posts to catch up on, so stay tuned!!

Dorinda

Another addicting easy snack/ kids can cook!

OMG! What is with me and easy snacks did you see my Thanksgiving day one? Have you tried it? This one I found on a blog completely randomly not even on Pinterest! Although I am sure it's on there! This one is 5 ingredients but could be 3! So, easy make these with your toddler. Heck! I made it with 2 toddlers! I made these while Mackenzie's friend Camryn was visiting. 

No Bake Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bites

1 cup room softened butter (that's 2 stick BTW)

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups flour

8...ish candy canes crushed

1 tsp vanilla

According to the blog you can switch our flour and sugar with cake mix. I haven't made it that way yet.

Step one: crush candy canes (the girl's loved to help do this. I used a pan and a baggie!)

Step two: cream sugar and butter (girl's added those and I worked the blender)

Step three: add vanilla and flour (girl's helped)

Step four: mix (it was pretty crumbly and I didn't think they would work but they did! )

Step five: stir in peppermint candy canes (girl's helped)

Step six: roll into balls

Viola! Best snack ever! Every time I started to make a ball Mackenzie would squeal and sign more. I had to cut her off, is there an A.aA meeting for toddlers?  Pretty sure she needs it after these!

Up next on blog this year's Christmas decor! Look at last year's here!

Easy treat, happy me,

Dorinda

Thanksgiving goodies!!

Yay!! It's a day of thanks!! I love Thanksgiving! And not just for the shopping the day after. I love being around family!! I also love all the FOOD!!

So here is a quick treat that has become a family favorite and I am sure yours will love it too. You are probably thinking; wait a minute I already have a ton of cooking to do and you suggest I add another!! Why, yes, yes I do!! HEHE!! This stuff is that good that I know you will love it!! It is so simple to make you can tell hubby to make it. Wait, who am I kidding like he will make it! Okay, pass it off to the kids. Wait, another bad idea, they will either a; eat it all before it's made or b; make a HUGE mess. You better make it!!

Before I give you the instructions I feel I should give a warning, okay, 3 warnings.

1. This stuff is highly addicting. You may have to make a new batch daily.

2. It's is super simple which only adds to the addicting behavior, you don't mind making another batch because it is too easy to make.

3. This is way fun to make. Inspires a lot of creativity. Which adds to the addicting behavior as well as the easiness. You probably have all the ingredients. 

With that said go ahead, make it. I Dare You!! I Triple Dog Dare You!!

Supplies:

2 cupsish Chex cereal

2 cupsish pretzels (I prefer sticks)

2 cupsish popcorn (I prefer airpopped, but you can do microwave)

3 cupsish melted white chocolate (I prefer white)

2 cupsish candy (for mine pictured I used holiday candy corn and marshmallows, I have used m&m's and sprinkles)

bowl to melt chocolate

spoon to drizzle chocolate

cookie sheet

parchment or waxed paper

Take your cookie sheet and cover with parchment paper.

Pop popcorn

Melt chocolate until it drizzles

cover cookie sheet with chex cereal

Drizzle some chocolate

cover next layer with pretzels and popcorn

Drizzle chocolate

Scatter candy

Drizzle last of chocolate

(add sprinkles)

Let harden

Break up into chunks serve

Some people have added flavoring to the chocolate. That would be yummy!!

Here is how my second batch turned out!!

Enjoy!!! And don't forget tomorrow is Black Friday!!

P.s. Should I do blogmas again??

Turkey, turkey here I come,

Dorinda

Five Fast Favorite Fall Foods

I love fall time! Yet, it always seems so busy or to create in me a strong desire to be lazy. So simple and easy foods become my friends. Here are 5 simple and easy meals to have this festive, fun time.

1. Chips, Chili, and Cheese

The world's easiest meals and one of my favorites my mom would "make". The ingredients/recipe are found in the title. Heat up some chili, lay a bed of Frito chips, cover in chili and top with cheese. Dinner is served, this meal is great during football games where you don't want to miss a single play. Or the days spent too long at that oh so fun pumpkin patch.

2. Pizza grilled cheese

I found this on Pinterest and it quickly became one of my favorites. 2 slices of buttered bread, place mozzarella cheese on, some pepperoni, Parmesan  and sprinkle Italian seasonings. Grill! While grilling heat up some marinara sauce in the micro. Once complete dip your grilled cheese into your marinara and yum-o!!

3. French Bread Pizza

Anytime my mom required of me to make dinner this was my pick. Fry 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, until done. Cut one loaf of french bread up the center creating 2 halves. Each half spread marinara sauce, Add chicken on top and some garlic cloves. Then cover in shredded cheese. Place in oven until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. A great alternative to pizza!

Okay, so the next two are not so much on the fastish side. They are crock pot meals but, still super easy and putting the ingredients together is fast!

4. Pork chops and rice

Another one of my favorites from my mom. In your crock pot put in your rice and required amount of water. Also add 1 can of cream of something soup, my personal favorite is cream of mushroom, give a little stir. Place pork chops on top, then sprinkle one package onion soup mix. Set crock pot on low for 6 - 8 hours. Then proceed to devour.

5. Tortilla Soup

Another Pinterest recipe found to be super yummy and super easy. We always have the ingredients in the cupboard for a quick meal. One can of each, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans. One package of each ranch mix, taco seasonings, 1 lb ground beef (pre-cooked), 6 cups of water. Stir all in crock pot and let cook low 6-8 hour. When done serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Hope these recipes help you out. You can follow me for more food ideas here. I have a potato soup recipe pinned that I cannot wait to try.

food lover,

Dorinda

P.s. these pictures are not mine, I found them on Pinterest