Archives for January 2018

My Moment Of Yes! with Well Yes! Campbell’s Soup

01/29/2018 By Jenn 2 Comments

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Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYes2018 #CollectiveBias

Have you ever had that ah-ha moment? You know the moment at some point we all do where it just clicks.

For me, my moment of yes started about a year ago. I realized being a mom to three kids that were born back to back, a wife, and a full-time blogger, I forgot to think about me. I was constantly stretched to my max and realized I was not happy with how I felt.

Mommyhood can take a toll on you and we just keep chugging along because our kids need us but what I didn’t realize was they were not getting the best of me.

I found myself worn out, tired, cranky and not a very nice person to be around at times (my kids can vouch for that). The mommy guilt that still haunts me of who I became.

Then it clicked, that moment of yes. I needed to make myself happy and get myself into a better space physically and mentally.

What does that mean?

For me, it was backing away to saying yes to everything and making time for me. I realized it is okay to say no! Why? Because you can not do it all and that is OK! My job was not to just please others and be unhappy and stressed all the time.

I put a plan into action. As I did not feel physically like myself that is where I started. I once LOVED working out and let’s be honest I became that mom that picked at her kids’ leftovers more than I should. I snacked on all the wrong foods and when I actually ate a meal I was starving and wound up eating more than I should.

That moment of yes, I am not only rebuilding my body but I am rebuilding a healthier lifestyle. Something I once loved but I thought I was too busy to find the time. That was all excuses I justified in my head for far too long.

This time I am doing it for me and teaching my kids a life lesson (win-win). I wanted to teach my kids better eating habits and no more of mommy sitting on the sidelines while they play outside.

I jumped in head first and have not looked back since.

Hiring a personal trainer was first on my list. I know myself and well, I make excuses, I needed someone to hold me accountable. Someone to hold me to those 7 AM workouts. Being a night owl this was no easy task for me.

With her help, I started eating better. Cutting out the unhealthy snacking and replaced them with more nutritious items. Reading labels and figured out what my body responds well too to burn fat and gain muscle. I never deprived myself but relearned portion control.

While looking for better options Well Yes!® popped out at me. Made with nutritious ingredients, like chicken meat with no antibiotics, sweet potatoes, kale, and quinoa, I have been loving them lately. My favorite is the roasted chicken with wild rice, YUM!

The flavors are delicious and fit into my new lifestyle. You can taste the difference in these soups. Before you head out to try them don’t forget I am a frugal gal as well, print this coupon to save a little moolah.

Just as Well Yes! allows you to say yes to the good stuff this moment of yes for me is just what I needed to not only be a healthier and happier person but I learned it made me a much better mom. I said yes to a better me and continue to learn and grow because of it.

Working out for me that me time I have every day does amazing things for my mental state as well. I am more focused and have a clearer head.

It has been over a year now and I still am killing it in the gym, living a healthier lifestyle and less stressed all because I made choice from one moment in my life, my moment of yes! I can do this and can not wait to see what more improvements I can make on the new me.

Now to my second moment of yes looking back at it the changes I have made. I am proud, more energetic, more hands-on with my kids and best of all less stressed and worn out.

What is your moment of yes? Tell me in the comments I’d love to hear your stories.

Before you go…

Share your Moment of Yes story! in the #WellYes2018 Sweepstakes in the widget below for a chance to win up to a $500 Visa gift card! Entry is simple, just log in and follow the widget instructions below.

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Valentines Day Oreo Truffles

01/25/2018 By Jenn 1 Comment

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Valentines Day is all about making special little treats for my kiddos. They love to get in the kitchen with me to bake and cook.

These fun Valentines Day Oreo Truffles are so simple to make yet SO delicious. Get the kids involved with these for a fun afternoon.

You can add whatever you like for a fun topping and voila, you have Valentines Day Oreo Truffles.

These would be great to bag up into Valentines Day bags and give to teachers as well.

Valentines Day Oreo Truffles Recipe

Ingredients:

1 8oz.Package of Softened Cream Cheese
32 (entire package) Oreos crushed up really fine
2 cups Chocolate Chips (white or semi-sweet) your own preference
Valentines Sprinkles, Red or Pink Melting Chocolate just make it your own

Directions:

Line two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper
Using a food processor take your Oreos and pulse until you get fine crushed Oreos
In a large mixing bowl combine your crushed up Oreos and your cream cheese until smooth
Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls (I like to use a small cookie scooper for this or ask the kiddos to do this one)
Freeze for about an hour or until firm
Then melt your chocolate of preference in 30-second intervals in a microwave or using a double boiler
Using a toothpick or a fork dip each Oreo ball into your melted chocolate making sure all sides are covered
Lay your chocolate covered Oreo Truffles back on the cookie sheet
You can add your sprinkles (Let the kids have fun with the decorating part) – NOTE: If you are going to add colored chocolate let your Truffles set first in the freezer
If your chocolate coating has not set you can place them back into the freezer to harden
ENJOY!

While you are waiting for these Valentines Day Truffles to set up check out these free printable Valentines coloring pages to keep your kiddos busy while waiting.

Free Valentines Day Coloring Pages Printables For Kids

01/23/2018 By Jenn 6 Comments

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Valentines Day is just around the corner what a better way to celebrate with the kids than coloring a picture for someone special.

So today I have some Free Valentines Day Coloring Pages Printables for the kiddos.

One of my kid’s favorite things to do is still coloring. So I have 4 Free Valentines Day Coloring Pages Printables for you to print and let them color.

When my kids were little they loved making these for my husband and other family members to celebrate Valentines Day.

Valentines Day Coloring Pages

Download the Beary Much Valentines Day Free Coloring Page Printable

Download the Happy Valentines Day Cupid Free Coloring Page Printable

Click to Download I LOVE YOU heart Free Coloring Page Printable

Download the I Love You Teddy Bear Free Coloring Page Printable

Printable Guidelines:

Thank you for your interest in these printables!

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Click the actual image or the link noted to open it as a PDF. From there you can download and print free of charge.

When saving these printables you are agreeing to the terms below.

You may not use these to copy or sell to make a profit. You can not alter any free printable that you download from this site. Do not modify and pass off as your own.

Sharing:

I love when other readers share my free printables. Feel free to use (1) one image per post and it must contain a link back to my original post. You can resize the image to fit your needs.

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Thank you!

8 Things To Do Before 8 am – Mom Edition

01/18/2018 By Jenn 2 Comments

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8 Things To Do Before 8 am, sounds silly but it works!

We all want to have a more productive day. Have our homes run smoothly and be less stressed about it.

Right?

Once I started doing these 8 Things To Do Before 8 am I noticed a huge shift in my mood and day.

Make My Bed

The second I wake up I make my bed. For starters, it makes it less likely I will crawl back into it and second a nice made bed in the morning makes me feel like I accomplished something.

I read when I had my daughter 10 years ago when I was struggling with being a new mom if nothing else make your bed. Its a mind trick that has stuck with me.

2. Get Dressed

I know this sounds silly but getting dressed in the morning helps jump start my day.

I used to be that mom that rolled up in the minivan dropping her kids off in pajamas. Not that there is anything wrong with that but for me, I knew if I wasn’t dressed in my gym clothes right away I was not going to make it there.

3. Start A Load Of Wash

One load of wash a day is what I stick to, to keep in manageable. With 5 people the laundry can get quickly out of hand here.

This is the only way I can stay on top of it. Throw a load in and switch it over as soon as I get back from dropping my kiddos at school and working out.

4. Empty The Dishwasher

I like to start out with a nice clean kitchen first thing in the morning. I run a load of dishes each night and in the morning I empty it so my sink does not pile up during the day.

My kids can immediately put their breakfast dishes in the dishwasher before they head off to school.

5. Pick Up Any Clutter

My most important thing I like to do in my8 Things To Do Before 8 am is tackle the clutter.

For me, clutter equals chaos in my brain. Any little papers or little things laying around I quickly pick up and but into my catch-all basket.

Out of sight out of mind, since it is usually my kid’s items I let them deal with it when they get home.

6. Drink Lemon Water

This comes before my coffee. I make sure I drink a large glass of water each morning. It wakes me up and is great for your immune system and for your metabolism.

I’ve also noticed a huge change in my skin since I started drinking lemon water regularly.

Grab A Free To Do List Printable

Getting it done one day at a time with this free to do list printable. Sign up below for your downloadable copy.

7. Make My To Do List – Brain Dump

You guys know I am a big believer in making lists but it does help clear your mind. I dump everything onto a to-do list then worry about it later.

When I come back home I pick out the things that HAVE to get done that day and start. But this way my head is clear and I can focus on other things.

8. Clear Your Head

No matter if you read the Bible, meditate or take a few minutes for yourself clearing your head is good for your stress level. Since I wake up before my kids do this is just 15 mins of my morning. I don’t think about my day or anything stressful.

Usually, while I am putting on my makeup is when this me time comes in.

I really notice the difference in my productivity and mood when I do this.

Do you follow the 8 Things To Do Before 8 am rule?

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half – No Coupons Needed

01/16/2018 By Jenn Leave a Comment

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How You Can Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half is SIMPLE I promise!

We all look for more ways to save money from our budget. When you go over your monthly budget, grocery shopping takes up a nice chunk.

Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half without coupons

How to max out your savings at the grocery store? I can show you how without using a single coupon!

If you are willing to take the extra time with these tips I guarantee you can cut your grocery bill in half.

Buy Store Brand

There are many stores that carry a store brand that is just as good as name brand. Did you know most of the time they are made by the same company anyway? You will not even know the difference and can easily save 20% or more off your grocery bill.

Make It From Scratch

Pancake mix, cake mix even drink mixes like iced tea. They all come from basic ingredients you already have. Take the time to make them yourself and you can save a ton each year. Plus you can add your own little touch to the mixes to make them your own.

This holds true for spices as well mixing your favorites together to have on hand is so simple and you do not a million spices on hand. Just a few of the basics and blend them together. Check out this Pinterest cheat sheet for easy homemade spice blends.

Meal Plan Around The Sales

Each week when your grocery sale flyer comes out sit down and get some prep work done. Plan a week’s worth of meals (or more) and only buy what is on sale. I even take this a step further by doubling my meals a few times a week to freeze for further meals. This will allow you to get the savings and only cook once – double win here mommas!

Some printables to help:

Meal Planning Printable

Freezer Meal Printables

Stay Away From Prepared Foods

Sure it is easy to grab already chopped fruit or veggies but the up-sale on these products are insanely high. Take the time each week when you get home to chop up and bag your veggies and fruits you will need for the week. Not only is it cheaper but fresher as well.

Avoid The Deli

Check out the refrigerated section. Most cheeses and cold cuts are found from the deli presliced and ready to go. No waiting in line and usually a lot less expensive per pound.

Cutting your grocery bill in half can be done with a little prep and planning to save you thousands each year. Think about all that money you could be saving.

Stock Up

When your favorite item that you use often goes on sale stock up. Buy enough until the next sale cycle runs on this product which is usually around the 6 to 8 week mark. You will always have it on hand until it goes on sale next and will not have to pay full price for it. Instantly cut your grocery bill in half when these items are on BOGO (buy one get one free).

cut your grocery bill in half without using coupons

Shop Once A Week or Once Every Other Week

This tip alone will slash your grocery bill in half! When you are shopping make sure you are stocking up for at least a full week at a time. That one little trip t0 the store for just milk could turn into a full-on grocery shop which adds up quickly!

Add Leftover Nights

Once a week on my meal plan I add a leftover night. I try to have nothing go to waste in my house. My kids love this, they can eat whatever meals I have on hand already. If I have more leftovers than normal I send it with my husband to work for lunch.

Stick To A List

Avoid impulse buys and if you can leave the kids and husband at home. Those extra hands can add up fast when piling things into your cart. Check your list right before you leave the house and stick to it when shopping.

Watch The Register

Mistakes happen, things can be rung up wrong but that is costing you more money if you are not careful. Be sure to watch the register for prices or check your receipt before you leave the store. Get it fixed right away before you leave the store so you do not forget about it.

Avoid Wearhouse Bulk Stores

For years I was a member of a bulk store but when I started looking at some of the prices it did not pay to make the extra trip. Sure some things are cheaper but when you are on a budget it can add up faster than you have that month. If the store is not that close to your home think about the gas you are using to go to an extra store that week.

Do Not Buy Anything In Single Serving Packets

I was guilty of this for many years with my kid’s lunches. The cookie packets were just too easy to throw into a lunch but now I just make my own. When I buy snacks for the kids I bag them up from a regular package of cookies or crackers.

Same goes for drink single packages. Buying the larger size and just adding a little to your water saves a ton of money.

Bring Your Reusable Bags!

Some stores will reward you for bringing your own bags with a few cents off for each bag you use. Plus you are saving the environment at the same time.

Household Budget Printable Kit

Product on sale

~~$15.00~~ $7.00

Add to cart
Calendar Planning Kit

Product on sale

~~$8.00~~ $3.00

Add to cart
Meal Planning Printable Kit

Product on sale

~~$15.00~~ $7.00

Add to cart

You can truly cut your grocery bill in half each time you shop with these tips and tricks.

Hope they help save you some cash for better things like paying off debt or a fun day with your family.

5 Tips to Stay On Track With Your Diet and Fitness Goals

01/11/2018 By Jenn 9 Comments

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You can Stay On Track With Your Diet and Fitness Goals this year!

It’s the new year which means a fresh start and time to make new goals. Most of us take this opportunity to work on health and fitness and I am right there with you.

Between balancing motherhood, family, and a career time is limited for me time. I made a choice last year to make more me time and have never felt better!

Sticking to my diet and fitness goals are not easy however here are some great tips I have found that help me!

Water

Water is the number one thing I struggle with. It’s bland, I’d rather eat food, I could come up with a bunch of reasons why I hate drinking water but water is good for you. Not only will it help your skin it helps with your diet. Drinking more water helps flush out toxins and if you drink a glass before a meal you will avoid overeating.

I find it helpful to add a lemon wedge in my water, gives it a nice flavor and lemon water helps your immune system and boosts your metabolism.

2. Get Enough Protein

Protein can reduce hunger and can boost metabolism. It also helps with building muscle. So this is a key ingredient to keeping those diet and fitness goals.

Having high protein snacks like Oikos Protein Crunch Greek Yogurt gives you more of the nutrients (protein + fiber) you want, with no artificial sweeteners, to help keep you going.

Oikos Protein Crunch Greek Yogurt has 17g of protein, 6g of fiber and no artificial sweeteners. 17g of protein in a snack is amazing and makes it easy for me to hit my daily protein intake.

I usually grab one as soon as I get home from the gym, they make a great post-workout protein snack!

You can find Oikos Protein Crunch Greek Yogurt at your local Walmart and come in 4 delicious flavors. My favorite is the vanilla yogurt with chocolate oats and peanuts, such a good combo!

Grab this ibotta offer to try them out for yourself.

3. Sleep

Our body’s need down time, time to recharge our batteries. When it comes to staying on track with our diet and fitness sleep is a very important factor!

It has been studied that when you don’t get enough sleep, your cortisol levels rise. This hormone is related to fat gain.

See where I am going with this?

Less sleep = more fat gain

4. Keep Moving

This one seems obvious but on days where you’re not feeling it, do it! A good mix of cardio and weight training will help you stick to those diet and fitness goals.

Once you get into a routine, it will become easier. You’ll be so glad you started as you see or feel the overall progress in your body.

5. Accountability Buddy

Having a friend going through the same things as you always make it easier to stay accountable. Grab your bestie and stick with your diet and fitness goals together this year.

Bounce healthy meal ideas off each other, go to the gym together and hold each other accountable to stick to your goals.

With these 5 tips staying on track with your diet and fitness goals should make it easier for you this year to make the progress you want!

Don’t forget to grab the ibotta offer to try out the Oikos Protein Crunch Greek Yogurt at Walmart.