Tips to Get More Protein into Your Diet

I have been on a whole body, including mind and spirit wellness journey for a few years now. It's trial and error learn as I go. But the number one thing I learned and that advice I always go back to is nutrition is the most important aspect. According to the latest data, an estimated 600 million people become ill each year after consuming food contaminated with harmful substances. Properly fueling your body is key and getting more protein into your diet is not only a great way to grow your muscles since muscles burn fat, but also you feel fuller for longer. So here are some of my favorite tips to get more protein into your diet, but in a delicious, satisfying way.



5 Tips for Creating Your Own Homemade Cards

Nothing shows you care more than homemade cards. We take a look at some key tips for creating beautiful cards of your own.

Despite our rapidly growing digital world, Americans still collectively buy over six billion greeting cards each year. The extra touch of adding a personal message for a gift's occasion isn't going away.




With the countless options to choose from at every drugstore and retail shop, it can sometimes be challenging to find a card with the right expression. Most of us begin cherishing the thoughtfulness of greeting cards as we get older.

While we scramble to find something to wrap, many times a card can stand alone as the perfect gift when made with our own hands and imagination. Keep reading for five key tips in creating homemade cards of your own and how to sign a birthday card.

Different Types of Printables to Boost Your Kid's Learning

There are many different types of printable activities to keep kids interested in learning. Find out what works best for your child!




The most effective way to get kids interested in learning is to provide them with fun activities that encourage them to learn. These printables are great for young children because they make learning fun and easy.

Besides encouraging children's vocabulary development, they also provide an opportunity to teach them letter recognition and much more. Here are nine printable activities that will boost your kid’s interest in reading.

6 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited About Healthy Eating

It’s no secret that healthy eating is essential for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for kids. Their growing bodies and developing minds need the proper nutrients to function at their best. Unfortunately, many kids today don’t get the healthy diet they need.




One reason is that unhealthy foods are often more affordable and readily available than healthier options. Many parents don’t have the time or knowledge to cook nutritious meals from scratch every day, and if your kids are picky eaters who are horrified at the thought of trying anew food (especially if it’s deemed “healthy”), your efforts feel futile anyway.

The good news is there are ways to help your kids develop a taste for healthy foods and get excited about eating them. With a little effort, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

The Flavorful Taste of Pork Pulled Carnitas

Craving for something new and delicious? This kind of food may be unfamiliar to you. Then let me introduce you to the one that surely you will get addicted to. It is the best of the rest of the Mexican food that you can prepare. It is the Mexican version of pork pulled. When you want to go to Mexico, you must try this famous carnitas before going back to your hometown.



Music and Learning: Does Music Make You Smarter?

Ever since the first humans started banging animal bones against each other, music has been an important part of global culture. We use music to express feelings, perform religious rites, or for fun. The influence of music on our body and mind is the seed of numerous discussions in the scientific community. We have empiric evidence that music impacts the emotional state of a person, but what about all that talk that music can make you smarter? Would listening to classic composers help you through college?




We did some research and came up with results that will change your perspective of how music influences our lives.

My Daily Routine as a Woman Who Lost 70 Pounds

This is a sponsored conversation for Apogee on Behalf of Viva Naturals. All opinions are my own.

When I was starting my weight loss journey, it originally was about the number on the scale. But what I have learned is that I want true overall health mind, body, and spirit. And that true health isn't about a number on the scale, it's about strength, endurance, how you feel, and so much more.


My Daily Routine as a Woman Who Lost 70 Pounds


Starting my day with a glass of lemon infused water and then I get dressed for the gym. I take my dog on a walk and then wake up my kids for school. Monday through Friday, I take my son to school and then go to the gym for my 8 am class which includes strength training. Sometimes I do yoga afterwards as well.

After the gym, sometimes I run errands, but usually I head home for a shower including my skin care routine and then log into work. I usually have a huge salad for lunch around 11:30 breaking my fast, but I'm just not really a breakfast person. I do also enjoy a protein coffee as well.

Gift Ideas for Couples

Gifts are one of the things that bring joy to our lives, no matter the age. They have special meaning in all kinds of relations, be it family, friendship, or any relationship. Since gifts have an important meaning, we want to make them last for as long as possible.




Gifts should be unique and suit the taste of the receiver. That’s why customized gifts are some of the best choices, especially if they are high-quality and long-lasting. Some popular custom gift ideas are mugs, toys, and book covers. We can even create embroidered shirts for many couples, which will always be a good gift idea.

Flexible Ways to Earn as A Parent

Flexible Ways to Earn Money as a Parent


As a parent, it is important that you have work that is flexible. This allows you to juggle being a good parent (the hardest job in the world) with earning money to provide for your family and to create a happy and enjoyable lifestyle for yourself. These days, there is a greater emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility, so what are a few of the best jobs that could offer flexibility while still allowing you to earn a healthy amount? There are all kinds of great ways to earn with the ability for you to still put your kids first and choose how much or little you work.

Changes on a Post-COVID Cruise Plus Travel Essentials


This past July, my family and I went on a Carnival Cruise. Traveling has been one of those hot topic discussions since COVID-19. Some people are still scared to venture out, but we have taken necessary precautions with every trip we have been on. The biggest question I have received since coming home from our cruise vacation is what has changed? So, I decided to share some things we have noticed as well as include some essentials to help you if you decide to travel post COVID.


Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank - NOW On Digital & Blu-Ray/DVD 10/18

This is a sponsored post for Paramount Pictures. All opinions are my own.

Treat the whole family to Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank from Paramount Pictures. You’ll be fighting like cats and dog(s) to see #PawsOfFury NOW on digital & coming to Blu-Ray/DVD October 18th, 2022.

 

A down-on-his-luck hound finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain's evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant trainer, the underdog must assume the role of fearsome samurai and team up with the felines to save the day. The only problem is -- they all hate dogs. Also starring Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Kylie Kuioka, and Cathy Shim. Rated PG

Can Math Problems Be Passed Down from Parent to Child?

Millions of American parents have learned an unexpected truth as a result of the disruptions to their children's education during the past two years. They are not as proficient at arithmetic as they had imagined. Trying to educate your own child about fractions is the best way to prove your lack of mathematical skill. The bright side is that we have gained insight that can be used to boost math education across the country.


Why You Should Be Thinking About Homeschooling

Does your child find school frustrating, disappointing and even annoying? Are they not motivated enough to learn new things, do their homework, ask questions, or even go to school every morning?

If they do, you should consider Euka home school programs or similar homeschooling programs, which offer an excellent alternative to the traditional schooling system.




Although homeschooling is not new, it has witnessed a rapid surge in popularity over the past few years. Parents have discovered the numerous advantages of educating their children at home rather than sending them to school.

And children couldn't be happier. It provides them with the flexibility of learning at a suitable pace, allows them to pursue their passions, study something they find appealing, and remain stress-free while doing so.

But before you choose a home-based education approach, here are some of its advantages you should know.

Traveling Safely with Children



Travel can be great fun, but it can also be stressful, especially if you are traveling with kids on board. However, because it’s such a good thing for them to experience travel young, it’s something that you are probably going to find yourself wanting to do, and so it’s important that you are aware of how you can do so as safely as possible. In this post, we are going to take you through some ideas on how you can effectively travel as safely as possible with your children in tow. All of the following points are worth considering.

Sensory-Friendly Birthday Party: Games for Your Kids with Autism

Birthdays are a great time to celebrate another year of life and all of the wonderful experiences and memories. If you're planning a sensory-friendly birthday party for a child with autism, here are some ideas to get you started:



The Best Vacation Ideas for Personal Growth

If it's time to start thinking about a summer vacation, you've come to the right place. In this article, we have ten exciting ideas for summer vacations with kids that are budget-friendly and contain an element of learning. A vacation can be an opportunity for personal growth as well.




Read on to find out more about how conventional vacations can be turned into learning experiences and how learning experiences can be made more fun for kids. The ideas on this list range from typical overseas vacations to camping holidays in national parks and road trips.

Prepare Your Child for Successful School Trips



The first school trip might seem daunting. It might make you anxious, as it is the first time you let your child go on an adventure without yourself. This is good as it helps children become more independent, make new friends, and learn how to behave in large groups. If the school trip is longer than a few days, then this is better.

School trips are good for mental health and your kids will surely replenish their energy levels, especially if they spend time in nature and reconnect with it. Their cognitive abilities and concentration will be improved, but their physical activity too. Going on school trips is a nice way to spend less time indoors playing on phones or computers.

However, your kid might be worried and anxious about spending so many days away from home. Here are a few tips and tricks that will prepare your child for successful school trips.

Are You Wasting Money at Home? Here’s What to Consider

Are You Wasting Money at Home? Here’s What to Consider


It is always a good idea to save money in the home where you can. However, have you taken the time to identify those aspects of housekeeping where you waste money the most? In many cases, food is one of those areas, and according to Futurity, US households waste $1,866 worth of food annually. Below are other things that could be digging a hole through your pocket.

Tips to Get More Quality, Natural Sleep

Ah sleep. It is essential for an overall well-being. Once my husband and I started tracking our sleep, it really opened my eyes into my essential missing elements in my healthy lifestyle journey. Life the past 18 months has been crazy. Making sure you get quality sleep is of the upmost importance. Quality sleep improves anxiety, reduces stress levels, and involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is actually linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Besides a nice mood boost, getting regular quality sleep can improve brain function and even help in weight control.

This is a sponsored conversation. All opinions are my own.

Tips to Get More Quality, Natural Sleep

Best Cars for the Family - Reviewed and Compared

When you’re bringing a family on the road, safety and comfort are paramount. That’s why many families look to their cars when they want to hit the open road. The best cars for families give passengers peace of mind in any situation, no matter how long or short the trip.




When choosing one of these vehicles, there are several things to consider: plenty of seating for passengers and luggage, high safety ratings, ample storage for personal items, and plenty of technology to keep everyone happy on the road. We have listed the top cars for a family. Check them out...

How To Ensure Your Kids Will Grow into Confident and Competent Adults



Part of our jobs as parents is to ensure that our kids end up happy and healthy. We obviously have jobs to do in the immediate future, but we also have to make sure that they’re all set for the real world when the time comes to make it on their own. It’s so common for parents to leave their kids in pretty awkward positions when it comes to letting them fend for themselves. Do what you can to ensure you have a mature and competent group of humans in your household. Here are a few ways you can ensure this happens:

5 Things to Consider in Starting a Kitchen Cabinet Business

Opening up a business is a big risk and takes a leap of faith, whether big or small. Once you've decided to take that risk, you would have to invest money into it and work hard to ensure that you earn your capital back and have enough profit. Thus, it is not an easy task to run a business alone.




Business owners need a guide on how to get their businesses working and be competitive. For instance, if you want to invest in starting a kitchen cabinet business, you have to know the basics about kitchen cabinets or at least know what it entails. If not, you cannot market a product if you don't know something about it, especially its different specifications.

In this sense, if you aspire to start a cabinet business, there are many things to consider. There are a few more things you have to know from employee management, inventory tracking, maintenance, and more. This is why stated here are five things you need to think about if you want to run this kind of business.

Fun and Educational Activities for Child's Development



When you play with your child, not only are they having a good time, but they are also picking up vital knowledge that will advance them. You can do all sorts of games and activities with your child that are both fun and educational. This article will outline various activities that meet both criteria.

How To React When Your Child Gets Engaged

If you have children, it is highly likely that, at some point, they’ll find a partner, get married and build a family of their own. It’s just what humans do.

Even so, it can be challenging to know how to react as a parent. You want your child to be happy. And you know that getting engaged is a big decision, not to be taken lightly.




However, parents can sometimes get their responses wrong or not quite know how to manage the situation. Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this post, we offer some guidance to parents who’ve just heard the happy news that their son or daughter is getting engaged.

How to Help Your Toddler Develop Physically and Mentally



As a parents, it's part of our job to help our toddlers develop physically and mentally. This can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make sure that your child is getting everything they need to grow and thrive. This blog post will discuss how to help your toddler develop physically and mentally in both the short-term and long-term and also provide some helpful tips on how to make this process easier for both you and your child!

Sausage and Shrimp Veggie Skillet

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Southside Market. All opinions are my own.

This Sausage and Shrimp Veggie Skillet is made with Southside Original Fresh Beef Rope Sausage and is a great high protein, low carb recipe. The sausage gives it a little bit of spice.





I was sent some packages of Southside Market Fresh Original Beef Rope Sausage to share this original recipe, all opinions are my own. I shared about Southside Market's Smoked Turkey Breast back in November as the perfect main dish at your holiday gatherings, but today I am sharing a quick recipe that's high protein, low carb and easy to make. Perfect for the bust back-to-school season. Southside Market has other flavors to choose from including Garlic Smoked Sausage, Jalapeno Cheddar Smoked Sausage, and Summer Sausage.

Southside Market fresh original beef rope sausage is known by locals and old-timers as "Elgin Hot Sausage" or simply "Hot Guts", this is the sausage that put Southside on the map. Now available to order in rope form exactly as they sell it fresh in their meat markets. Unlike the shorter links, each fresh (raw) rope measures approximately 44-48 inches long and weighs 2 lbs. Seasoned with cracked black pepper, it is all beef, coarsely ground in a natural pork casing. This is their signature item, made fresh in-house daily for a level of quality, taste, and enjoyment you can’t find anywhere else. Since 1882.

Sausage and Shrimp Veggie Skillet Recipe

Crockpot Italian Chicken Recipe {Wildgrain Subscription Review}

Crockpot Italian Chicken is delicious and hearty. Easy to make and a family favorite. Top on pasta, rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even by itself. Save $30 off your first box of Wildgrain and get FREE croissants for life when you use code Affiliate30.





I recently was sent an awesome box from Wildgrain that was full of artisanal breads, pastas, and pastries. I decided to make this crockpot Italian chicken recipe. It is so easy to make, you just throw everything in the crockpot! My family absolutely loved it!

Cheap Upgrade Ideas for Your Bedroom

The bedroom is the most important room in the house. Here's how you can make it look more expensive on a budget.

The bedroom is the most important room in the house for parents. It's where they get their rest and rejuvenate for another day with their children. But it can also be an expensive room to furnish and decorate on a budget.





Unfortunately, many people think that the bedroom has to be expensive to look nice. This isn't necessarily true. There are many ways to upgrade the bedroom while still staying on a budget.

So, parents, listen up. Here are some tips to make your bedroom look more expensive without spending much money.

How to Keep Up with Your Bills as a Growing Family

It can be challenging to keep up with your bills when your family is growing. Between diapers, formula, and doctors' appointments, it seems like the expenses never stop! However, with a little organization and planning, you can keep your head above water and still provide for your family. I will discuss some tips for keeping up with your bills as a growing family.



The Best Ways to Follow a Recipe for A Good Result

There are many things to consider when following a recipe. However, by taking the time to understand and implement the best tips, you can ensure that your dish turns out just as you had hoped. The following blog will discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when trying your hand at a new recipe.



Back-to-School with Nat Geo Kids Books!

Help kids bounce back from the "summer slide" and ace this school year with award winning reference titles by National Geographic Kids that are both teacher AND kid approved.



Helping Your Toddler Try New Foods

One of the best things about having a toddler is that everything is new to them, and they are fully aware of that fast. It’s so much fun seeing them have new experiences and watching how they react to their first sunset or that initial visit to see the monkey at the zoo. Of course, when it comes to food, things are not always so lovely.




Many toddlers, although curious about everything else in the world around them, are less than excited about the prospect of trying new foods that may be unfamiliar to them but if you don’t want to end up with a fussy eater on your hands, you do need to help them experience new foods that they will grow to love.

With that in mind here are some top tips you can use to help your toddler try new foods as often as possible:

Egg Roll in a Bowl {Easy Low-Fat Recipe}

 I have been told that I need to get my gallbladder removed so I have been researching low fat dinner ideas and testing them out with the family to see what we all will enjoy before the big day. This is a low carb recipe as well, so if you are still doing keto then this is a great lunch or dinner option. I didn't care for keto and my gastroenterologist said it is one of the worst diets out there. I have known people to lose a large amount of weight with it but do what you will with that knowledge.


egg roll in a bowl


This recipe uses liquid aminos instead on soy sauce. While both liquid aminos and soy sauce contain sodium, added salt makes soy sauce's sodium content higher. As far as taste goes, they're pretty similar. Liquid aminos are less salty, milder, and slightly sweeter. Some people say liquid aminos taste closer to tamari (a sauce made from fermented soybeans) than soy sauce. There are some great benefits to using liquid aminos instead, but soy sauce is still the more budget friendly option. This is packed with protein and a one pan meal that is so fun to make.


Making Life as a Parent So Much Smoother for the Pair of You

Parenting, for many, is very daunting. Even though they’re excited about what’s going to happen, they worry about the future and how they’re going to be able to handle it all. Even those who have been trying for a baby can lose their minds a little when the time actually comes. The good thing is that parenting is doable for everyone, of course. If it was impossible, then nobody would bother as nobody would have been able to do a good job in the past.




If you want to make life smoother for everyone after you’ve brought a baby into this world, you have to make sure you change up a few things and adopt a few of the right habits. Here are just a few ways you can make parenting life a lot smoother on the mind, body, and soul:

Homemade Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Treats

I can't believe back-to-school season time is already here again. I have been racking my brain and trying to compile lists of all the things that I use to make for my kids for their lunches. Our district had free lunch and breakfast for the last two years, but now I am back to making them again. My kid's do not like school lunches, and I know I can make a better-quality lunch for less at home. But sometimes I do like to throw little treats in their lunch boxes for them.


Homemade Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Treats


My friend made these fruity pebble marshmallow treats or rice Krispie treats with fruity pebbles at a party she hosted a few weeks back and they were so good. PLUS, they are only three ingredients and so easy to make that I decided to re-create them. I will say that FRESH marshmallows are the way to go.

Homemade Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Treats Recipe


7 Ways to Pretty Up Your Bathroom



Gone are the days when people want the standard, cookie-cutter home. Now, people look for homes that have unique features to make their home stand out. There are so many ways to do this throughout your entire home, but today, I want to focus on bathrooms. Most of the time, bathrooms are pretty similar (cookie-cutter-like) and there are not really a ton of improvements made in a new build or old build home. They all look the same! To really “WOW” your guests and any future homeowner of the house, there are some easy renovation ideas that you can definitely do. Here are some of my best ways to pretty up your bathroom:

Tips To Become a Happier Parent



Parenting can be so stressful sometimes. Even the most loving parents might occasionally question why they took on the responsibility in the first place. Regardless of how you feel about parenting, your emotional state affects your kid's mental wellbeing. Your child can pick up on your anxiety, anger, stress, and bad mood. And this affects them negatively. That's why it's important for you as a parent to maintain a happy and positive mood as much as possible. Fortunately, the following tips can help you do that.

Back to School Essentials for a Successful Year

It is that time of year and I have been thinking about everything my children will need for back to school. If you are like me, then you like to plan ahead. This year, with inflation at a record high, I have been thinking about the essentials without buying what we don't already have on hand. For example, both of my kids have very nice backpacks that have warranties, so I won't be buying new ones this year. I also have a variety of lunch boxes that they can choose from, so again I won't be buying them new ones. And with our school district no longer providing free lunches county wide, that money is allocated towards our grocery budget. But their feet are ever growing, so new shoes will be on the list.
You can think smart while still sending your children off to a successful school year.




Here are some of my favorite essentials but be smart!
Organize and prioritize for a budget friendly back to school season!

Tips For Choosing ADHD Toys For Super Active Kids at Home and School

Seeing your child with special needs might make you want to do everything to help them. Getting them special needs learning toys is a part of making them feel better. However, finding the most suitable toy for them can sometimes feel nerve-racking. One has to find a perfect pick for children with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).


child in play tent with rocket shaped water bottle


However, considering a few tips, you could find the best ADHD toys for your child. This guide to picking a perfect toy for a special needs child will give you the best tips.