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Back-to-School Food Made Easy with Simple Mills

August 11, 2021 by Rachel 13 Comments

It has been a minute since our lives have been “normal,” am I right?! In fact, the whole last school year was a complete wash when it comes to normalcy. I mean, I kept it as ‘normal’ as possible for my kids. We went from remote learning to full homeschooling. But, after months and months of trying to get my kids to eat the food I made for them, I finally found the perfect solution: Back-to-School Food Made Easy with these helpful tips!

Back-to-School Food Made Easy

Keeping it Simple + Knowing what’s in our food

Like many families, last year forced me to slow down. In reality, those months of staying home really helped me to focus on what’s important: the health of my family. I’ve never made more homemade meals in my entire life! I also began focusing a lot more on the ingredients that were in my kids so-called ‘healthy’ snacks. I was shocked to see so many additives and fillers in them.

Back-to-School Food Made Easy

Instead, we switched our snacking foods to Simple Mills from Meijer. Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers and Soft Baked Bars were the perfect addition to our mealtime routines and on-the-go snacking.

Change the way you introduce foods to your family

When we make lunch I offer it bento-box style. Or for a snack, I make a ‘spread’ of all different types of fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, and Simple Mills snacks. I steer them in the right direction and then they get to make the actual decisions themselves.

Honestly, when I started doing this and giving them some authority to choose what they eat, my life changed! I was no longer arguing with them about finishing “5 more bites.” They eat as much as they want of whatever is offered. And it works every single time. Just by changing the approach to mealtime and snacks!

Keep it simple for back-to-school

Keeping the kids in control for back-to-school is just as easy! I use these easy snacking-type bento box containers and just pack those same items. And, even if (really, when) they bring home uneaten food, I’m confident in knowing that they still made good choices.

Back-to-School Food Made Easy

Be sure to pick up Simple Mills Soft Baked Bars and Veggie Pita Crackers (and use these Ibotta offers to save!) during your next Meijer trip!

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Filed Under: back-to-school, easy recipes, parenthood, parenting Tagged With: back-to-school, easy recipes, parenthood

31 Day Self Care Challenge

April 23, 2021 by Rachel 8 Comments

The past year has done a number on all of us. I know find myself riding a roller coaster. Some weeks I feel like I have it all under control; other weeks I am struggling in every way possible. Each day of this 31 Day Self Care Challenge I’ll give you a simple actionable task that you can do. Whether it’s starting your morning off on the right foot, or sneaking in a workout for the day, after 31 days you’ll be amazed at the difference in your mood.

31 Day Self Care Challenge

Self Care Week ONE

Day 1 

Wake up 30 minutes early and sit in silence or with your favorite podcast.

Day 2 

Make a list of at least 5 things you’re grateful for.

Day 3 

Do a brain dump on a pad of paper, a notepad in your phone, or even in a Google doc. 

Day 4 

Make your favorite recipe (or your favorite meal from a takeout restaurant!).

Day 5 

Rewatch your favorite movie.

Day 6 

Spend 15 minutes organizing any space in your home (I recommend going through the junk drawer!).

Day 7 

Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water today.

Self Care Week 2

Day 8

Unplug from social media for one full day.

Day 9 

Learn a new skill.

Day 10 

Create a vision board.

Day 11 

Go through old photos.

Day 12

Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read and get started.

Day 13 

Try your hand at a new recipe.

Day 14 

Write down a list of personal long-term goals.

31 Day Self Care Challenge

Self Care WEEk 3

Day 15 

Catch up with a friend or family member by phone.

Day 16 

Learn a new skill.

Day 17 

Bake your favorite dessert.

Day 18 

Take a long, relaxing bath with a bath bomb.

Day 19 

Move your body with a NEW workout!

Day 20 

Binge watch your favorite (or new) TV show.

31 Day Self Care Challenge

Self Care Week 4

Day 21 

Treat yourself to ice cream.

Day 22 

Take yourself out on a solo date.

Day 23 

Break out the coloring books and take some time relaxing with some crayons (or colored pencils)!

Day 24

Take a nap — you deserve it!

Day 25 

Go for a 20-minute walk by yourself today.

Day 26 

Write a friend a letter and send it (yes — snail mail!).

Day 27 

Dress up and take some selfies (even if you have nowhere to go!).

Day 28 

Plan your dream vacation (even if it’s just a dream).

31 Day Self Care Challenge

Self Care Final days

Day 29 

Plan a night in for yourself.

Day 30 

Make a new playlist.

Day 31 

Do a digital cleanse by clearing out old files, upload photos to the cloud, and clear out your phone and laptop.


Self-care doesn’t always come easy for busy moms, but this challenge will allow you to find those pockets in your day to sneak in some time for yourself.

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Filed Under: #MomLife, health, mental health, mommyhood, parenthood Tagged With: #MomLife, health, mental health, motherhood, parenthood

How to build consistency in your homeschool routine

March 14, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

One area that many homeschool families struggle is with consistency. Even from just doing this for a short period of time, I know it’s true. Being constant with our schooling is an important factor in keeping things going smoothly. And also for reaching their educational goals and milestones. Building consistency in your homeschooling routine can help build consistency in your everyday life, too! Here are a few ways you can help to build consistency in your homeschool routine.

Prioritize the must-dos

Choose a few subjects that absolutely must be done daily. For most families, this will include reading and math. If you do nothing else, do those two (or three) subjects. Build up the constant habit of daily reading and math time with your children as early as possible. These easy tasks will lay the foundation that will help keep your days running smoothly. Even if your homeschool day is a short one.

Healthy Habits build routines

Building consistency is all about building healthy habits. Create a new habit each month and add it to your family’s day. These tiny changes will turn into healthy habits that will stick around.

How to build consistency in your homeschool

Healthy habits, like incorporating walks, extra outdoor time, hikes, or art time, will help the kids and you. Knowing these things are built into your homeschool day will make everyone more willing to do the less-than-fun things.

Don’t overload your days

Something I learned early on is that it’s really easy to overload your homeschool day. You’ll think you’re not doing or teaching enough. So you’ll add more and more tasks on, but it doesn’t get done; nor does it make your day any easier. Overloading your day will only overwhelm you. And, honestly? You’re less likely to get anything done that day.

How to build consistency in your homeschool

Instead, plan the minimum you need to get done and if everyone is up for more or wants to explore something new pull out the extra work and get ahead. If you do plan out a full schedule try not to look at it for the day until you and your children are ready to dive in to prevent that feeling of overload.

Set rewards for consistency

We decided, as a family, to set rewards for a straight week of consistency. We track our consistency on a chart, earn rewards individually, and as a group. It helps to keep us all accountable. These goals can be things like a family trip to Target on a Sunday morning (the kids personal favorite). But having bigger, monthly goals is helpful, too. Plus, it gives us something to look forward to. This will help fuel each days efforts — even on days where not everyone is feeling the lesson plans.

Track your progress

Truly seeing progress in your child’s learning can be a big encouragement to stick to consistency day after day in your homeschool. It’s true for both the teacher (mom or dad) and the kids. Personally, I wasn’t sure my Pre-K daughter was learning enough. Day after day of sight words seemed to just be hum drum. But that consistency? It paid off the moment she said the first word before I had a chance to say it!

How to build consistency in your homeschool

It was a game-changer. Honestly. I felt like we had been in an endless loop of sight cards. And then one day it just clicked.

Plan intentional days off

When burn out starts to kick in it is easier to stick with it when you know you have a break coming up. Be sure to plan regular breaks at regular intervals with your family. These breaks can line up with your local schools so that your kids can spend time with friends; or you can do your own thing on your own schedule!

When all is said and done, just make homeschooling a priority and have semi-set hours. Flexible and consistent is key. Make priorities, stick to those priorities, and find consistency in the rest.

Tell me — what’s your key to staying consistent with homeschooling?

Filed Under: #MomLife, homeschool, parenthood, parenting, tips + tricks Tagged With: #MomLife, homeschool, motherhood, parenthood

Maternal Mental Health Matters: Quit telling moms they’re overreacting

February 9, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

I first became a mom 8 years ago. Before I became a mom, I had the perfect vision of what type of mom I would be. You know, the kind of mom that doesn’t yell, only serves their kids organic foods, and has zero temper. Well we all have plans on the type of parent we are going to be before we have kids. But kids have a way of humbling us. And as a ‘seasoned’ mom of three kids, I have advice for all of the advice-givers: quit telling moms they’re overreacting.

Maternal Mental Health is fragile

Did you know that one in 8 women experience postpartum depression? I did. Because I became one of those statistics. And it hurt me to my core to come to grips with this fact. I knew I was supposed to feel a tremendous amount of joy after the birth of my first child; but, instead, I felt an unimaginable anxiety and disappointment. And, while this might not be the case for every mom, we are doing all moms a disservice by pretending that any one stage in a child’s life is “easy”. Every single stage in a child’s life comes with its own set of difficulties and setbacks.

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But, perhaps, a mom has a very bad infant stage or toddler stage. In those fragile moments, a mother may be at her breaking point. I myself have been there. She may be questioning if she can do this at all. Why perpetuate the myth that others are doing it (or handling it) better than us?

“You’ll miss this someday”

I cannot tell you how many times I was told this. By the grace of God I decided to have a second baby. Our first was so colicky and my postpartum anxiety was out of control; but we still decided on a second baby. My luck? Our second infant was worse than our first. Unbeknownst to us, she had been dealing with chronic UTIs from about 6 weeks to 9 months. She would scream (and, I kid you not) for 22-23 hours a day. That left approximately 1-2 hours of (broken) sleep in a 24-hour period. How does a newborn even survive on that? No idea.

Quit telling moms they're overreacting

But I will tell you what, I almost did not survive that.

In fact, I can vividly remember three times that I almost self-admitted to the hospital because of psychological issues. And, I don’t take that lightly. I was at least cognitive enough to realize, in that moment, that if I checked myself into the hospital, it would be a disservice to my child physically (she wouldn’t take a bottle).

But the suicidal ideation remained. Even through my existing anxiety and depression medication, motherhood had taken its toll. And I cannot tell you how many times I heard “someday you’ll miss this,” and thought about how I must be a failure — because I could not imagine missing this moment.

Whether its infancy or toddlerhood or adolescence, it’s all difficult

I recently engaged in a Facebook conversation on a mommy page (I know — that in itself is the problem). The original poster had created a poll — which is more difficult? The infant stage or the toddler stage. My initial gut-reaction was to answer the poll. Duh, infancy. And then I pulled back. I read the article in question. And, as I deemed this group an engaging and progressive group of moms, I decided to point out the obvious (to me) — this article is hella problematic.

First, it is entirely dismissive. I realize this was a tounge-and-cheek type of article. But, to quote the author , she slept — “Nevertheless, I felt clear-headed and was able to get good chunks of sleep both at night and during the day.” And a clear head is basically the key to keeping one’s sanity.

But one in 8 women don’t feel that way.

If you tell one of those women struggling to get up and take care of her baby that “she will miss this one day,” it may be the thing that pushes her to a breaking point. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in new mothers.

And articles such as stated above — as well as the dismissiveness of others — can certainly compound on that feeling of hopelessness.

Please stop telling moms they’re overreacting

Here’s a thought — don’t tell anyone — not moms, not dads, not the lady at the grocery store — that they are overreacting. Let us all recognize that we are living a very narrow margin of the full spectrum of possibilities. If you wouldn’t tell someone with a physical ailment that they are overreacting, don’t say it to someone who is (potentially) suffering from a mental ailment. Period.

Filed Under: health, mental health, parenthood, postpartum Tagged With: health, mental health, parenthood, postpartum

Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament Craft

December 7, 2020 by Rachel 16 Comments

“It’s the most wonderful tiiiime of the year!” I knew that as soon as we put our Christmas tree up, my three kids would begin the neverending question of “is it Christmas yet?!” Our tree has been up less than a week and I was 100% without a doubt right. Every morning they wake up with the energy they will most certainly have on Christmas morning. They are eager to open their advent calendars and get started on the holiday activity of the day. But 25 days is a long time for a kid to wait for Christmas, right? Well I’m creating crafts just like this Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament Craft to help continue the cheer throughout the month!

Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament Craft

Crafting Made Easy

As a mom of three wild children, I need no-nonsense crafts. I know for certain my kids would be content with just paint, a few brushes, and a blank sheet of paper. But I want to create some magic that they — and I — can hold on to for years to come. These Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament crafts can be used as cards to mail to relatives or to save as keepsakes. Bonus? They are oh so easy.

Who can do this craft?

This craft is appropriate for all ages, as long as there is adequate adult supervision. I will also note that for parents who prefer tidy and neat finished products, you may want to stick with children three and up. But, truthfully, as long as you’re aware that our little artists are just trying to express themselves, it’s a perfectly fine craft for even young children!

What You’ll Need

There are very few supplies needed for this Christmas craft. In fact, you will probably have most of these supplies on hand!

  • Potatoes (2-4 depending on how many helping hands you have!)
  • Brown cardstock 
  • Acrylic paints – red, green, and blue 
  • Markers – black and white 
  • Assorted adornments (like stickers, gems, sequins, stars) 
  • Scissors 
  • Glue 

How to make Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament Cards

Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament Card

Potato Stamp Christmas Ornament Card

Materials

  • Potatoes
  • Brown cardstock 
  • Acrylic paint - red, green, blue 
  • Markers - black, white 
  • Adornments - stickers, gems, sequins, stars, etc. 
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Instructions

Begin by folding a sheet of brown cardstock in half. 

Now, cut your potatoes in half along the width. You will need one half of a potato per color. Also,  spread your paint colors on a flat surface such as a paper plate. 

Then, dip the potato in a paint color. Make sure the potato is completely covered with paint. Press the potato onto the brown cardstock. 

Carefully lift the potato up to reveal the stamp underneath. 

Do the same with the other colors. Let the paint dry completely. 

Next, draw an ornament cap with the black marker. Draw a line going off the top of the card, as  well. 

Finally, decorate the baubles with your choice of fun adornments. We chose stickers, gems,  sequins, and stars, but this is a great chance to get creative! 

Also use the white marker to decorate the baubles further by adding lines and more detail.

© Rachel
Category: Christmas

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PIN ME - Fun Christmas Potato Stamp Card Craft for Kids
PIN ME - Fun Christmas Potato Stamp Card Craft for Kids

Filed Under: #MomLife, Christmas, crafty, holidays, kids crafts, parenting Tagged With: #MomLife, Christmas, crafty, holidays, kids crafts, parenthood

My Self-Care Routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

December 3, 2020 by Rachel 11 Comments

This month I turned thirty-five. My 36th birthday came in with little fanfare, but I feel more present than ever. In fact, I rang in this year by focusing on a just a few things: myself and my family. And that’s why I am here to share my self-care routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads.

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care is a term we throw around a lot these days. For me, self-care means unplugging and focusing on myself. But it’s something we all need. I know that I can easily get burned out if I don’t take a step back, take a breath, and focus on myself for point two seconds. In fact, just last week I was drowning with the need for a bit of time to focus on myself. Taking care of others, working from home, and homeschooling will (and can) do a number on anyone. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of ourselves.

My Self-Care Routine

I will admit it: I am addicted to social media. Sure, it can be fun. But in the past however many years, it’s also been a wonderful platform for me to use my voice and a wonderful way to stay connected. But there are major downfalls. Social media has made clear divides between people. Some of those divides just cannot be repaired. So self-care is exactly what I need in my life.

Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

Unplugging and unwinding with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads is my go-to for self-care. I mean, I need to be away from social media. And what better way than by joining a virtual book club like By Any Reads?! I get to connect with people across the country and do something I love — read!

Self-Care Routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

This months book is Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. The book is both powerful and inspiring. As a cisgender white woman, I thought perhaps I would not be able to relate. But her book is about so much more than her experience as a transgender woman.

book club

This book brought so many feelings to the surface. I’ve been struggling with my own sort of identity crisis. Turning 36 means that I’m nearing the dreaded ‘middle-age’. And I’ve talked quite a bit about my experience in becoming a mother and trying to ‘find myself,’ or rather, get to know myself again. It’s a journey I’m still on. And this book was a great example of how our lives are just one small transformation after another.

Are you interested in joining a virtual book club? Follow @RiondoProsecco on Instagram to learn more about December’s book selection!

My hopes for this year

My hope is that I can be an encouraging voice for my community. And that community includes YOU. I want you to #TakeASeccoTo yourself. Enjoy self-care in small ways. Even if that means sipping on Riondo Prosecco and reading a book. Get to know yourself through small acts of reflection.

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easy tips for a self care routine to unwind even in chaos

Filed Under: #MomLife, books, brews + food, busy mom, parenthood Tagged With: books, brews + food, parenthood, self growth

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