How Does She

Getting Active with the Family this New Year

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 13:37:49 GMT

***This post is sponsored by Kohl’s and ShopStyle. All opinion are our own.***

It seems like every year; I find some type of “fitness” New Year’s Resolution.
I have to admit in year’s past, often that resolution could be found in the form of losing XX amount of weight.
This year, I’m changing things up.
This year, my goal is simply to be active WITH my family.

Whether it be a dance party in the kitchen, a walk around the neighborhood, or a full out gym session, we’re all getting MOVING.
I feel like that’s a resolution we can all get on board with!

Kohl’s is making my resolution even easier!
Some of my FAVORITE activewear for the whole family comes from there. You can find the most amazing deals on name brand activewear and maybe even discover a new line like I did!

Kohl’s often has awesome promo codes that will save you some major cash (Scroll to the end to see the one I used!). They also have convenient curb side pick-up, which I have used numerous times. It was quick, painless and efficient!

I’m excited to share a few great finds with you.

1.This Boys Nike set

Let’s be honest. There’s not much cuter than a little man in a matching athletic set. My son loves that he can run, jump, and be an ultimate ninja warrior in this! I love that he looks absolutely darling! I have found the BEST prices on Nike at Kohl’s! My husband loves it as well and stocks up for himself. This set comes in many colors and is so easy to mix and match.

2. Kids Leotards

As fast as kids grow, it seems like I’m always the next size up in ballet/gymnastics gear. I love that Kohl’s has a selection of unique dance gear! I had no idea! This leotard was a perfect fit. Look how darling that back is!

3. The BEST athletic shoes

Want to know my biggest secret to saving money on athletic shoes (besides, the obvious of shopping for them at Kohl’s)? Buy youth sizes! It’s easy to convert your size to youth, just take your women’s size and subtract 2. So, if I wear a size 9 in women’s, I could wear a size 7 in youth! Youth athletic shoes are often quite a bit cheaper than adult shoes AND you can often find some DARLING, more unique styles! Kohl’s has the best selection of athletic shoes and a wide range of your favorite brands for the whole family! I found these Nike Air Zoom running shoes and loved them! They come in lots of fun colors and are super comfortable to wear no matter what your activity of choice!

4. A great sports bra

Ladies, anyone feel me when I say a sports bra can make or break you? Literally. For those of us who need a little more support, I recommend this sports bra. A combination of practicality and style, this makes your exercise so much less painful! I love all the fun colors and the price points of this style HERE. So many to chooes from!

5. Leggings that stay put

If you’ve ever bent over to help your kid, or done a squat or ran a mile, you know how annoying a “slippery” pant can be. When I’m in athletic leggings, I want them to STAY PUT! I found these high waisted leggings from my new favorite brand, Tek Gear (Fantastic quality), and they are perfection! I put them to the test doing box jumps and they passed with flying colors! They come in lots of other fun prints here (I have my eye on that leopard!). They also wash up well. Many of my leggings have had fabric ball up, but these did not! I like knowing that my money is going to something quality.

6. These go-with-anything tanks

There is nothing more annoying to me than a clingy, snug tank. I’ve had a lot of babies and if I’m being honest, my stomach can be a pain point for me. I’m most comfortable in looser tops and this tank was the perfect combination of style and functionality. They come in a TON of colors and prints so you can find one to match any leggings you have. Plus, check out all those sizes. I love that they have TALL sizes if you want a longer length. No tummy shows when you’re lifting weights or jumping on the trampoline with the kids. They’re just an all-around, good quality, staple piece!

So happy to have found so many treasures at Kohl’s. Shopping there makes things so much easier on me as I can find everything for my family in one stop. Plus, it saves me money! Right now, you can use either of these two coupons!

Take an extra 15% off $100+ using code CATCH15OFF
Take an extra 15% off, one-time only off your next online purchase when you sign up for mobile Sale Alerts

Here’s to a New Year of happiness and health!
Now get moving!

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Walgreens Curbside: Top 12 Items To Grab

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:56:15 GMT

*Thank you to Walgreens and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post. If curbside pickup is your jam, you’re going to love this!

While The Year That Must Not Be Named brought us plenty of doozies, it also brought about some pretty snazzy conveniences that, if we’re lucky, are here to say. Curbside pickup is one of those perks and if you haven’t tried it yet, you are greatly missing out. Many favorite stores are now offering curbside pickup, including Walgreens. (Yay! It’s new and your order is ready in as little as 30 minutes!)

Not only can you order online and pick up your order for free the same day, but from now through January 16th, Walgreens is offering an EXTRA 25% off your curbside pickup order of $40+ with the code FEELGOOD25, so go crazy!

Buy online or with their app, pickup curbside, at the drive-thru, or in-store. More options to make life easier for you.

Walgreens Curbside: Top 12 Items To Grab

Among presents this past holiday break, Santa also brought our family a positive COVID case which sent us into an unexpected 14-day quarantine. Learning to expect the unexpected is a mad skill we all have now, so luckily, I was able to buy all the essentials we needed at Walgreens online and then have a friend pick them up curbside for me. Finding bags of household essentials, groceries, and even my favorite mascara on my doorstep was a lifesaver.

Now same-day order pickup is just part of my routine and makes life so much easier. Here are the top 12 essential items to grab with Walgreens curbside.

1. Toilet Paper

If there’s another thing 2020 taught us is that you can never have too much t.p. Avoid the crowds and snag some online then pick it up curbside.

2. Paper Products

They’re just one of those items that always, always comes in handy. Snag some paper plates, cups, and utensils so that you always have them at the ready. I like to devote an entire shelf just to disposable dinnerware.

3. Laundry Detergent

It’s rare to find laundry detergent on sale, so make sure to take advantage of the extra 25% off your Walgreens Order Pickup of $40+ with the code FEELGOOD25. I love saving on items I use every single day.

4. Cleaning Supplies

This is the time of year to really stock up on cleaning supplies. With cold and flu season ramping up on top of a raging pandemic, make sure you have some Clorox cleaner.

5. Disinfectants

For a while there, it was impossible to find Lysol spray. Grab up some disinfectants while you can at your local Walgreens pickup.

6. Immunity Boosters

While our brush with COVID luckily wasn’t too severe (symptoms included minor chills and aches), we were adamant about trying to keep the rest of the family healthy. Immunity boosters like Airborne and vitamins C, D, and Zinc are a must. Elderberry syrup is also very powerful at preventing sickness.

7. Medicine

When you do get sick, the last thing you want to do is go into a store and shop for medicine. Prevent exposure and the discomfort of going into a store when you’re under the weather by doing Walgreens Pickup!

8. Basic Groceries

While not an extensive selection, Walgreens is great for picking up basic grocery items you need in a pinch. Order online then use their Pickup option to grab milk, bread, protein bars, or treats for an impromptu movie night.

9. Beverages

Your favorite drinks are pretty important and luckily, there’s a Walgreens on a corner near you where you can get all kinds of beverages curbside!

10. Feminine Products

The day I started getting my feminine products curbside was a happy day indeed. It’s beautifully convenient and once you do it, you’ll never go back.

11. Diapers and Wipes

Parents with kids in diapers will especially appreciate Walgreens curbside pickup. There were so many times I had to duck my head and run into the store to grab diapers in my sweats, a messy bun, and bags under my eyes because of back-to-back sleepless nights. Being able to avoid that…priceless.

12. My Favorite Mascara

Ladies, if you haven’t tried this Little Black Dress of mascaras, you NEED to! It’s simple, inexpensive, and gets amazing results. I’ve been using it for years because it’s that good. Long, thick lashes without blowing the bank. (I pair it with this L’Oreal primer which extends your lashes to twice as long. More affordable than fake lashes and I love the natural look.) Walgreens is a great place to pick up all the latest and greatest beauty products and never have to leave your car.

So go try your local Walgreens Order Pickup and save 25% on your entire order* over $40 with code FEELGOOD25. (Offer good through 1/16) It’s so easy! Here’s how to get started:

Order online or use the Walgreens App
Walgreens will notify you when your order is ready (as little as 30 minutes!)
Drive to Walgreens, get your order curbside, at the drive-thru, or in store.

Enjoy and let us know how it works for you!

*Offer does not apply to shipped orders, photo orders, Deal of The Week products, Gift of The Week products, phone/prepaid/gift cards, Birchbox Shop products, electronics, CBD products, select prestige beauty brands, select As Seen On TV products, medical nutrition products, Schiff Move Free, Philips Norelco, Philips Sonicare, Harry’s, Flamingo, Similac, Enfamil, Hasbro, Marvel, Apple, Fairhaven, FertilAid, Fertili Tea, Fertile Focus, Amoena, select Drive Medical, select Stander, Walgreens Ready Response, tobacco, dairy, alcohol, liquor department items, money orders/transfers, transportation passes, lottery tickets, charitable donations, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products, newspapers, magazines, stamps, Prescription Savings Club membership fee, pharmacy, taxes, or shipping charges.

The post Walgreens Curbside: Top 12 Items To Grab appeared first on How Does She.

13 Thoughtful Gifts to Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 18:18:45 GMT

*** This post is sponsored by Zulily and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own.***

Love, sweet love. There’s nothing better than celebrating the one thing that keeps the world going ’round and the people you hold dear to your heart.
There’s also nothing like trying to come up with gift ideas that don’t involve copious amounts of sugar.
Don’t get me wrong. I love sugar, but it’s nice to gift some more unique things too!

Zulily is a wonderful source for unique gift ideas that won’t break the bank. I love checking the site each day to see what new deal has popped up! Most of the deals only last a few days, so things are always changing! I love that you can find the best holiday and seasonal decor, apparel and gifts. It makes shopping fun!

Plus, did you know when you place an order on Zulily with paid shipping (Friday-Saturday), it opens a window of free shipping on additional orders for the rest of the weekend. Once you’ve paid that first shipping charge, we’ll try to consolidate subsequent purchases into a single shipment, and we’ll give you the lowest-priced shipping option for free for all items ordered by 11:59pm PT on Sunday.

If that doesn’t “sweeten” the deal, I don’t know what does!

Mr. Steal Your Heart Tee: Tell me this isn’t the cutest stinking thing ever! Perfect for your little boyfriend.

Heart dress: I love dressing my kids up for every holiday. Anyone else? I loved this little heart dress and love that it comes in a lot of sizes. You could match your girls!

Sterling Silver Heart Studs: I like to get little gifts for my kiddos on Vday, and these sterling silver studs are perfect! Great price for a quality pair of earrings and they can wear these all year!

Bushel and a Peck necklace: Does anyone else remember being sung this song as a kid? I sure do. Now you can gift this pretty necklace to a little one in your life!

Acqua Di Gio: Cologne is always a solid choice when it comes to your man. This scent has been my favorite since the beginning of time and will be till I die! Nothing better. If it’s your thing, you can find a lot of other scents HERE. The price as SO much lower than the department stores.

Love in Your Heart Long Sleeve: Do you dress up around the holidays? I love this simple graphic, long sleeve tee. Throw it on with jeans, red earrings, and some converses and you’re as festive as they come!

Lace Trim PJs: I love these red pj’s. The touches of lace make them sexy, but still tasteful. The price is right too.

Pink glitter Rain Boots: Nothing says “I Love You” like a good set of pink glitter rain boots with a big bow. I just thought these were so fun and useful. My little girl would love these, and I bet yours would too.

Cozy bedding: You guys may have seen this bedding before, because we’ve talked about it and many of you have purchased it. It’s insanely cozy! Great way to treat yourself or your hubby! And the best part? This set is under $50! Such a great price! You can find more under $50 options HERE.

Sports Wear: This might seem kind of random, but why not gift him what he REALLY wants? He loves you, but let’s be real, he also REALLY loves his teams. I found a bunch of sports gear at fantastic price points HERE. I particularly loved this Alabama polo. Not just because they won last night, but because it’s RED!

Just Between Us journal: Some of us might not being seeing our grandparents in person as much right now, so I just loved this idea. It’s a journal that a grandchild can fill out with a grandparent. Do it together over zoom, or send it back and forth. The prompts will teach you so much about one another. Priceless keepsake!

Hide and Seek Stuffed Animal: Have you seen these before? They were new to me, but people are talking about them! You hide the stuffed animal, and using the wand, your child can find it! As you get closer, the animal detects the wand and, it’ll call out! How fun is that?

My Whole Life Sign: I’m a complete sucker for anything personalized and this is perfect! Put you and your man’s name and “date” on it and you have a heart felt gift that will last forever. This would be perfect in a bedroom!

There you have it. Some super fun Valentine’s day ideas that will help take things up a notch. Wouldn’t these be fun to to gift to a loved one or even show yourself some love? I think so! Remember, Zulily products do change daily, so grab your favorites before they’re gone!

The post 13 Thoughtful Gifts to Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day appeared first on How Does She.

Today’s Deals

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:03:39 GMT

Killer, cheaper than your grocery store prices on SNACKS! Because you can never have enough! HERE: https://amzn.to/3siKkKF

If you’re in the market for a light weight stroller, this 3dLite has RAVE reviews and is, hands down, the lowest price to date. Let me know if you grab one! HERE: https://amzn.to/3oCvFrj

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17 Tips and Recipes for Meatless Monday

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 12:28:28 GMT

Meatless Monday

Does your family do Meatless Monday or meatless any day? Some people do it because they love animals or want to have a smaller impact on the environment. Others are interested in improving their health (or dying less as Dr. Greger puts it). I even know some people who have one meatless day each week just to change things up and make mealtime more interesting. Whatever your reasons for eating less animal protein, I’ve got tips and recipes to make your Meatless Monday easier and more delicious.

Our family decided to cut WAY back on animal protein in September and the prospect was a little daunting. I couldn’t really imagine cooking without meat or fish at every meal. It’s just how we lived. But the more nutritional science I read, the more convinced I was that we needed to cut back.

So, there’s been a lot of trial and error over the past few months, but I finally feel confident that I can cook delicious *mostly* vegan food my family loves… at least most of them. We’re working on it. So we are meatless most days and I think anyone can be meatless at least one day a week. Ready to give it a try?

Tips for Blissful Meatlessness

1. Have a Conversation

You don’t have to make a big deal about your foray into meatlessness. With some kids, it’s better not to mention it at all. However, if your family seems curious about the new food, explain briefly why you’re eating this way, even if it’s just once a week. Don’t get on a soapbox. Don’t lecture. And don’t make them afraid of food. Focus on the deliciousness and health benefits of the meal in front of them.

2. Convert Favorite Recipes

Rather than hitting the ground running with a whole mess of vegan craziness, start by converting favorite recipes your family will recognize. Shepherd’s pie with beans or protein crumbles and veggie gravy. Chili with extra beans and no meat. Spaghetti with marinara sauce rather than meat sauce.

3. Let Kids Help

There’s always more buy-in when I let my kids help. Show them a recipe book and let them pick something that looks appetizing to them. Give them their choice of fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. Invite them to help you prepare the meal. If they’re invested in the food, they’re more likely to give it a fair shot.

4. Prep in Advance

The hardest part about cooking this way is prepping all the vegetables. As much as possible, wash, chop, and prep in advance. This will cut way down on what needs to be done during those crazy busy evening hours.

Quick Meal Suggestions – Because Meatless Monday Can Be SUPER Simple

5. Baked potato with Vegetarian Chili

Pretty self-explanatory. Bake or pressure cook a potato, heat up some chili and dump it on. (We prefer Trader Joe’s) This is also good with steamed broccoli or sautéed kale as a middle layer.

6. Refried Bean and Veggie Rollup

Grab a sprouted wheat or other whole wheat tortilla. Spread it with refried beans. Top it with veggies of your choice. Roll it and eat it. This one is good cold too and can be packed as a lunch.

7. Salad with Beans and/or Quinoa

Make a creative salad with all the veggies in your fridge, chopped tiny. Add a can of beans, some frozen corn and some cooked quinoa if you have it. Top with your favorite bottled salad dressing.

8. Canned Lentil Soup

Amy will save you.

9. Fruit and Oatmeal for Dinner

Steel-cut oats or your favorite oatmeal recipe topped with fruit and drizzled with your favorite vanilla plant-based milk. Delish!

10. Smashed Baby Potatoes with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo

This has been a huge hit at potlucks. Steam baby potatoes. Place them in a 9×13 pan and lightly smash with a potato masher. Cover with a thin layer of guacamole. Sprinkle with pico de gallo. This can be extra scrumptious of you make the toppings from scratch, but premade from Costco gets the job done as well.

Meatless Monday Recipes

Vegan Tuna Salad from Hurry the Food Up

Chickpea Tikka Masala from The Iron You

Vegan Lasagna from Ceara’s Kitchen

Sweet Vegetable Penne

Easy Vegan Tofu Pad Thai

Vegetarian Chili

Tuscan Spicy Lentil Tacos from Forks Over Knives

Bonus – 5 Favorite Vegan Recipe Books

Vegan for Everybody by America’s Test Kitchen
The Plantpower Way by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt
Chloe’s Kitchen by Chloe Coscarelli
Forks Over Knives: The Cookbook by Del Sroufe
But I Could Never Go Vegan! by Kristy Turner

Also – Books About Meatlessness

How Not to Die by Michel Greger
The Starch Solution by John McDougall
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman

I would love to hear about your best meatless tips and recipes in the comments section! One last note from my family, a fruit-based dessert goes a long way to help the veggies go down.

Happy eating!

The post 17 Tips and Recipes for Meatless Monday appeared first on How Does She.

Joggers: The good, the REALLY good, and the Ugly.

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 03:02:40 GMT

Joggers are overwhelmingly the HOTTEST wardrobe piece of 2020, and maybe soon to be 2021.
I mean, where else can you find a pant comfortable enough to wear to bed and lounge around in at home, athletic enough to rock at the gym, and cute enough to run errands in for 3 days straight.
Joggers are truly a staple piece.

That being said, not all joggers are created equal.
Some are perfect for lounging, but would never work for doing all those squats at the gym.
Some are tight enough to show every cellulite dimple.
Some are too snug through the hips.
And some, are just plain wonderful.
I ordered some of the best selling joggers across Amazon and some big retailers, and am here to tell you the ones you must order NOW, and the ones that should be avoided.

These pictures are amateur selfie shots, but hopefully provide a better look. I’m not fashion blogger, and you’ll spy a wild baby running around in some pictures…and the aftermath of him having his way with my mirror. (Hello blueberries!)

I am going to rate each pair on a scale of 1-10. 10 being the BEST!
I will specifically call out pros and cons and let you know my favorites!

1. Crz Yoga Jogger
  Crz Yoga has LONG been a favorite of mine. They’re a solid brand that you can count on in the athleisure department. They have lots of styles that remind me of Lululemon, but at a fraction of the price. I own countless items from this line. These particular joggers are a stand out.
  
  RATING: 7/10
  
  PROS:
  -Fit like a pant so they’re easy to dress up or down.
  – Fantastic stretchy material that is thick enough to last but doesn’t show every dimple.
  – Lots of colors and prints. My personal favorite print is the Leopard version. It’s subtle.
  – Pockets
  
  CONS:
  – Midrise waist. (I prefer a higher waist).
  – Some lighter colors show “stuff”. I also didn’t love this this camo print at all. It’s a bit too “big” in profile for me.
  – These fell, ever so slightly when working out.
Leggings Joggers
I purchased these based on the rave reviews. They were definitely less expensive than the other options and are a FANTASTIC choice for a pajama jogger.

RATING: 4/10
PROS:
– INCREDIBLY soft and thin
– These are my choice for joggers that you can rock to bed. PERFECTLY comfy for that.

CONS:
– “Cheap” cut. You can tell these were cheap to make and mass produced.
– They were super loose around the hips. You can’t tell in this photo, but there is quite a bit of excess fabric and folding.
– Thin fabric.
– Not flattering on the bum.
Crz Yoga Lightweight training Jogger
I’ve owned these awhile now (and PS sorry about the lip prints on the mirror. The baby was ALL over that mirror while I did this. haha.). They’re made of a more “windbreaker” material, which is good or bad depending on you.

RATING: 5/10
PROS:
– Lightweight so these are fantastic for warmer weather.
CONS:
– Run a little big. I have a medium on and they’re too big. You can see the fabric bunching behind the knee.
– These are just a looser, more casual fit.
– Make a swishy sound sometimes when you’re walking.
Core10 High Waisted Jogger
These are new to me but I’d heard such wonderful things about the Amazon exclusive Core10 line. These joggers lived up to the brand reputation.

RATING. 8/10

PROS:
– By far, my favorite for working out.
– They compress comfortably.
– High waist that STAYS UP!
– Fantastic, thick but breathable fabric.

CONS:
– I felt like these bunched a little around the pocket. Not enough to worry about.
– They run a touch short. On you taller girls, these fit more like a 7/8 pant.
Avia Transport Jogger
I absolutely LOVE everything I have ordered from this line. They have some GREAT tops, but they missed the mark on these.

RATING: 1/10

Pros:
– Affordable. That’s about it.

CONS:
– HORRIBLY strange cut. Not flattering at all. Tight around hips and baggy elsewhere.
Oalka Jogger
A top seller on Amazon, there is a reason these are so loved and quickly became a stand out of the bunch for me.

RATING 9/10

PROS:
– GREAT fit
– Higher waist, with a drawstring.
– Slim Fit, but not skin tight.
– Pockets
– Many colors to choose from. I am in the Charcoal
– Some zipper/seam detail on front and bum.

CONS:
– If you pull these up a bit too high, you can easily get a camel toe. Just be careful.

7.Dragon Fit Jogger

RATING: 8/10

PROS:
– Super high waist, with a comfortable “YOGA” style waist band (aka just fabric. No drawstring or anything.)
– Great subtle camo print and other colors.
– I really liked the way the butt fit.

CONS:
– I didn’t feel like these compressed enough or were tight enough in the waist band. If you look closely, you can see my little “I’ve had lots of babies pooch.” I wish t he high waist were tighter.
– I didn’t feel like these could withstand a hard work out. I think they would slip some.

There you have it. 7 different jogger pants with 7 different pros, cons and price points.
I hope you find one that works well for you!

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Accept the 7 Day Eat at Home Challenge – Save Time, Save Money, Save Your Sanity.

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:05:48 GMT

In conversation after conversation, I hear the same things from women.

“I want to eat healthy, but I don’t have time.”

“I’d love to sit down and eat with my family but our lives are just too crazy!”

“Meal planning, grocery shopping, meal prepping….it all stresses me out!”

or the infamous “I know it costs a lot to eat out, but it’s just convenient.”

If you have found yourself saying any of these statement, this is for you.

Hi, I’m Andrea. I’m a mom of 6 younger kids – 5 of them are active in sports and activities (uhhh…in a normal year). I run a business from home. I have a husband, who is the best, but he works 70+ hours a week.
I’m also incredibly overwhelmed with everything going on in our world/nation. I’m busy. I’m stressed more then normal.
I bet some of you are too.
I could use some help getting my stuff together, and there’s never been a more perfect time to do so.

I grew up with a mother who made home cooked meals DAILY and never allowed a paper plate on her table.
I admire her for that, but for me, life is a little different.
I’ve tried a million different techniques for feeding my family. I try to meal plan. I scour Pinterest searching for edible recipes that don’t take hours or call for ingredients requiring me to travel to foreign lands to track down a certain spice. Each method seemed to last temporarily before crashing and burning.

I knew there have to be answer. A time saving, money saving, sanity saving answer – that didn’t taste like cardboard and come in the form of tatertot casserole (Sorry if you love that. I don’t!)

Then came the 7 day Challenge into my life.
I knew, if I had a group of women cheering me, and each other on, I could start a great habit.

Don’t start hyperventilating yet.
It’s going to be easy. and fun. and not expensive.

For 7 days, we are going to eat dinner at home. We’re going to make yummy, quick, even healthy recipes at home for our families. We’re going to do it with you too!
We are going to go LIVE on our Facebook page with a new recipe.
You’ll be able to see how things are going up close and personal!
We’ve done this a couple times before, and had such a good response, I thought it was time to do it again!

You can see the Facebook LIVE I did last time HERE, introducing it!

Ready for the other good news?

We’ve teamed up with the sweetest Tiffany from the popular Eat at Home blog and are going to use her ALREADY PREPARED meal plans.

Now, these aren’t any ordinary meal plans. I’ve been using them and they are GOOD, and EASY! Lots of them are going to involve your slow cooker or even your instant pot. (Don’t have one? That’s okay too! BUT everyone should get an instant pot. They’re amazing!) You can check out sample menus HERE.

You throw some yummy ingredients in, and dinners ready after soccer practice.

They even include, COLOR CODED GROCERY lists.
You have no idea how easy this just got.

PLUS, during our challenge, they are 30% off!!!!!
Just use code FRESHSTART here!
(Sale starts the 12th)

Will you join us?

You can get the meal plans we’re using NOW, HERE.
(Remember to use code FRESHSTART to save 30%)

Want to see what we cooked up the first time we did this challenge (all the recipes are right from the meal plans!)?
You can check them ALL out on our FACEBOOK PAGE, but here are a couple examples.
Day 6

Day 5

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL GET IN THE MEAL PLANS:

Weekly menu plans for the entire month (Check them out HERE)
A set of slow cooker menu plans
A set of whole foods menu plans (Great for those who are trying to feed themselves and/or their family healthier!)
A set of traditional menu plans
A weekly dessert recipe
One quick click to download all 3 sets of menus (in color or black and white ink ~ color coded to make your menu planning even easier)
In short, you’ll get 72 recipes with menu plans AND A GROCERY LIST, all included!
The menu plans cost as little as $1.13 per week when you sign up for a one year plan, or try out a 1 or 3 month subscription and see what you think. This will be the BEST $1.13 you spend all week.
An amazing support group of women during this 7 day challenge

SO, there you have it! Who’s up to the challenge? Can you hang for 7 days? I promise this is seriously EASY, and once you’re in the habit, and see how easy it really is, you will NEVER look back.

Get ready for your world to be rocked.

THEN, we’ll officially start our challenge on January 12.
You’ll be able to follow our adventure via Facebook Live each day..

REMEMBER TO SEE THE MEAL PLANS WE’LL BE USING HERE!
HERE

You can also check out sample recipes HERE.

We’re so excited!

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How Gross Is My…? 9 Things That Might Gross You Out if You Knew

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:00:16 GMT

How many times have you had a situation where you wondered how gross something really is? Ironically some of the things you might think would be extremely gross turn out to be not as bad as we think they are.

A few years ago, I had an incident involving my 6-month-old baby and a bowling shoe that still gives me the heebie-jeebies. During a family outing with all of my siblings and their spouses (none of them had kids yet), I mistakenly put my brother-in-law in charge of my baby while I bowled. When I came back, my baby had a bowling shoe in his mouth and he was sucking on it like a lollipop.

Aside from wringing my brother-in-law’s neck, I had nightmares of all the terrible diseases my infant son was now going to contract. Luckily, nothing happened, but it did get me thinking…how gross is some of that stuff that we come in contact with daily?

How Gross Is My…

Image courtesy of Amazon.

1. Loofa

It’s ironic to think that your loofa—the item you count on to clean you in the shower may be dirtier than you are. The average person uses the same loofa for a year before replacing it.

Those mesh poof balls give a luxurious lather in the shower, but did you know that with every use, your loofa gathers dead skin cells which build up in the mesh fabric. Those dead cells, combined with the warm, moist atmosphere of your shower can become what the American Society for Microbiology calls “a reservoir of bacterial species.” Gross!

Bottom line: replace your loofa every month or two before microscopic cooties start growing in it.

2. Kid’s toilet

If you’ve got kids, you know that anything goes when it comes to the toilet. On a given day, you can expect to find pee droplets, poop smears, and toys that have been thrown right into the toilet bowl.

How gross is your kid’s toilet? Here’s what science has to say and it’s actually good news!

The world is home to an estimated 1 trillion species of bacteria. These invisible microbes live in the dirt, the air, and on your skin—there’s no way to run from them. Even with all the pee splatters and poop streaks, unless for some reason you have cholera cruising around your household, it’s unlikely you’ll get sick from a toilet. A spoonful of soil has more bacteria in it.

Bottom line: as long as you clean your kid’s toilet regularly, you’re good.

3. Microwave filter

The last time I changed mine was when the Saints won the Super Bowl in 2010.

If you are also guilty, take heart. Not many homeowners are on top of their microwave filter cleaning game. Aside from being gross, a greasy microwave filter can actually drip onto your stovetop and even into your food.

Bottom line: Wash your microwave filter in warm, soapy water at least twice per year.

5. Home air ducts

Another one of those facets of home maintenance that regularly gets overlooked is cleaning those air ducts. Should it be a priority?

Interestingly enough, the EPA finds no correlation between clean air ducts and safer breathing. In fact, pollutants enter the home more easily from outdoors, cooking, and cleaning than they do through your air ducts.

Bottom line: Don’t sweat cleaning those air ducts unless you’ve got rodents, mold, or other items on the EPA’s list.

6. Fridge

Who’d have thought you’d have to keep your family safe from your own boogie monster fridge? But in some cases, it can be one of the most dangerous places in your home.

Food poisoning is only a mistake away. Never place raw or defrosting meat on the upper shelves; juices could seep down below and contaminate other food or your fridge shelves. Don’t overstuff your fridge because when you do, cold air can’t circulate and keep the bacteria at bay.

Bottom line: Follow the rules and your fridge and family stays safe.

7. Bra

Kiss sexy goodbye because bras that don’t get washed often enough can cause acne, odors, and bacteria buildup on your skin. It makes sense; after all, a bra hugs you naked all day long.

Bottom line: Wash your bra every 2-5 wears.

Image courtesy of Amazon.

8. Kitchen sponge

Ignorance is bliss on this one, trust me. That sponge you just used to scrub last night’s lasagna pan…it’s covered with enough microbes to populate all of China. All on one little sponge.

And what’s even more interesting—like crazy-interesting—is that sanitizing your kitchen sponge is pretty much the worse thing you can do! According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, sponges that had been sanitized contained a higher percentage of pathogens than kitchen sponges that had never been cleaned!

Bottom line: Don’t sanitize your sponge. Replace it every week and always toss out the old one.

9. Shoe bottoms

This one has to be the grossest of the lot. With all that walking around in other people’s germs, the bottoms of shoes have to be a microorganism theme park.

Good Morning America tested the bottoms of eight different people’s shoes. On one mom’s shoes, they found 66 million organisms! At the University of Arizona, researchers found nine different types of bacteria on people’s shoes—the kinds of bacteria that cause stomach, eye, and lung infections.

Bottom line: I’ll be taking my shoes off at the door from here on out. And I really should kill my brother-in-law for the bowling shoe incident.

*First, last, and featured image via Unsplash.

The post How Gross Is My…? 9 Things That Might Gross You Out if You Knew appeared first on How Does She.

23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:01:23 GMT

Getting older is not easy, but sooner or later, it will happen to us all. Aging is inevitable. I’ve always thought it profound that we begin life the way we end it: depending upon the service of others. It all comes full circle. It’s difficult seeing a parent or grandparent age, especially as physical or mental health declines. Many of us are entering an unchartered phase in life—the phase where we begin taking care of the ones that once took care of us. But how do you know the right things to do or say that can really help your aging parent or grandparent? Here are some great places to start.

23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent

1. Visit them regularly.

Your parents and grandparents don’t want stuff, they want to be with you. One of the very best things you can do to help your aging loved one is to visit them. Especially if they are living alone, it is so important to drop in regularly. Not only will you help curb loneliness, but you’ll be able to monitor their situation. Sometimes it’s fun to bring the kids, but sometimes too much chaos gets overwhelming and it’s best to leave them home.

2. Call regularly.

If visiting regularly isn’t an option, call. Check in every few days or at least once a week. Even if your aging loved one is very independent, they’d still love to hear from you. A surprise phone call can really brighten a day.

3. Invite them on outing with you.

When it’s not safe for a parent or grandparent to drive anymore, they feel frustrated at the loss of independence. You can help by inviting your loved one to go out with you. Even if it’s just running errands, getting out of the house can be a welcome change and they probably have things to pick up as well.

4. Empathize with them.

Getting older comes with a whole slew of challenges like physical disability, health ailments, memory loss, lack of freedom, and the inability to do something you once loved. All of these can be extremely frustrating. Even if you don’t understand them, try to empathize with them. Listening and then responding with empathy (“That sounds terrible. I can see how you’d be frustrated.”) may not fix the problem, but it helps soften it.

5. Fix something for them.

Offer a helping hand by fixing something that needs to be fixed. If you can’t fix it, make the initiative to hire someone who can.

6. Locate potentially unsafe areas in their home.

While you are there, look around for any potentially hazardous areas like loose floorboards or uneven steps that could cause an accident. Make sure those areas are taken care of asap.

7. Attend doctor’s visits with them.

Attending routine and specialized doctor’s visits with your loved one not only shows your support, but it’s a smart way to be aware of what is going on with their health. Be aware and be an advocate.

8. Help them declutter without being pushy.

Years and years on this planet equates to quite a lot of built-up stuff. Many old people could use help decluttering, but have a hard time doing it. First, it’s hard knowing where to start, and second, a lot of the items we would consider “junk” hold special memories for them. Help your loved one declutter without being too pushy or intensive. Ask, Is this a treasure or a hinderance. Be patient with them through the process.

9. Recommend good books.

Reading is not only great entertainment, but it helps the mind stay agile. Help your aging parent or grandparent continue reading by recommending good books, helping them find books on tape, or by taking them to a library.

10. Update their calendar each month.

Some older individuals start feeling isolated from society or from their families. Keep your loved one’s calendar up-to-date each month. Include items like birthdays, recitals, or kids’ sporting events that they are welcome to join. Make them feel included and in-the-loop.

11. Help them prioritize tasks.

For the aging population, everyday tasks and to-do lists can become overwhelming. Sit down with your grandparent or parent and help them prioritize their business. Write items down and place the list in an easy-to-see, easy-to-find place.

12. Help them with shopping and meal prep.

Similarly, grocery shopping and menu planning can sometimes be too much to handle alone. If you really want to help, take your loved one grocery shopping or go for them. Take an afternoon to plan and then prepare some simple fridge and freezer meals that they can have on hand.

13. Plan a weekly event they can look forward to.

Young or old, we all enjoy events we can look forward to. Whether it’s lunch with a friend or a weekend vacation, it gives us something to be excited about. Help your aging parent or grandparent plan a weekly event they can look forward to. Maybe it’s bingo at the senior center, brunch with you, or a weekly class that they can happily anticipate.

14. Encourage physical activity.

Physical activity is important for everybody, but especially for older individuals. Much research has been done into the matter and physical activity in older people can help prevent disease, maintain independence, and improve quality of life (source). Encourage your loved one to make physical activity a priority. Help them join a gym, go on walks together, and help them stay active.

15. Help them get involved with other seniors.

There are so many great activities offered for seniors through local libraries, community centers, and outreach programs. An Internet search can help you find events and groups in your area that your loved one can get involved in.

16. Arrange for their yard to be maintained.

Their yard is a source of concern for many seniors. It’s important to them that grass and flowers stay manicured, but many older people just can’t continue maintaining their yards themselves. You can really help your aging parent or grandparent out by either putting in some work yourself or hiring the lawn maintenance out.

17. Talk to them about scams.

Seniors are a huge target for scams. Many scammers use tactics like phone calls, sweepstakes, and medical insurance scams to get at older people’s money. Read up on common scams targeting seniors and then have a talk about ways to prevent them.

18. Hire a companion for them.

It’s a great idea to hire a responsible individual to be a companion to your loved one. Many families hire someone they trust to check in on their parents or grandparents, drive them around to appointments and errands, read to them, cook for them, or help them exercise. It can be a great job for a niece, nephew, or grandchild.

19. Teach technology in small doses.

The world is ever-changing and that can be a bit paralyzing to those in the older generation. Introduce your aging parent or grandparent to technology in small doses. No need to spring SnapChat and hashtagging on them just yet. Start with useful services like email and paying their bills online.

20. Flood their mail box.

There’s something to be said about a good old fashioned letter. Very few of us today write them, but back in our parents’ and grandparents’ days, letters were the main source of correspondence. You could make their week by getting the family together and flooding your loved one’s mail box with hand-written notes or cards.

21. Help them discover something new.

You are never too old to stop learning. In fact, learning new things is invigorating and self-fulfilling. Introduce your aging parent or grandparent to something new like yoga or genealogy. Have them think of a bucket list of things they want to do and then work toward doing them.

This 90-year-old woman from Kenya decided to go to elementary school—an opportunity that she never had growing up. It just goes to show that you’re never too old to achieve a goal.

22. Maybe a pet?

Some older people enjoy having a pet for companionship. Maybe it’s right for your loved one?

23. Make a photo memory book for them.

Finally, one thing you can do that is really special is create a memory book for your aging loved one. This could include photos, stories, or memorabilia from their life that can be a great comfort. We absolutely love StoryWorth—it’s a way to turn your parent’s or grandparent’s life into a book your family can treasure forever.

After all is said and done, the most important thing you can give your aging loved one is your time. Reminisce with them, empathize with them, and whether it’s via phone call, a personal visit, or if they’re tech-savvy—FaceTime, make connecting regularly a priority.

Photography by Alison Prince. Her grandparents are pretty special; you can see more adorable photos of them on Alison’s Instagram page.

The post 23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent appeared first on How Does She.

Shake Up Your Protein Shake with Smoothie Bowls

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 13:02:23 GMT

It’s a squeaky clean new year—time for fresh resolves and clean slates. I kinda like clean slates. This year, I’m trying to shake up my regular resolutions so that come March, I don’t scratch my head and think, Now what were those resolutions again?

Shake Up Wholesome Eating & Drinking

First and foremost on my “Healthy Me” resolution list is to eat and drink more wholesome foods and beverages. I’m kind of ashamed at how many processed snacks I keep in the house.

I hereby pledge to take the wholesome food shake-up. This means reaching for more fresh fruits and vegetables and this protein smoothie bowl is a delicious start!

Clean Up Your Diet

Eating and drinking more wholesome foods and beverages doesn’t need to be a prison sentence. There are so many delicious ways to clean up your diet. These easy switches are so much better for your body and will make you feel better too!

Ditch soda once and for all.
Offer fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Buy the majority of your foods from the perimeters of the grocery store—produce, eggs, protein, etc. The middle aisles are usually the processed foods playground.
Make more homemade food.
Shoot for 80/20. 80% of your family’s diet should focus on clean foods and leave 20% for family favorites like crackers and cereal. Hey, no one’s perfect!

I’ve tried a ton of protein powders out there, but none compare in taste to this one. And it’s specially formulated for women to support weight loss and muscle building.

Shake Up Your Old Protein Shake

Personally, I get bored easily and need to shake things up in order to stay interested. This often means trying a new fitness class or going out of my comfort zone to sign up for a race. In wholesome eating, I need to shake things up too. That’s why I think you’re going to love this new spin on the regular old protein shake. Meet the protein smoothie bowl!

Fruit Smoothie Protein Bowls

Smoothie bowls are a spin-off of regular smoothies or protein shakes. Instead of being served in a cup, they are thicker and poured into a bowl then topped with all kinds of yummy, wholesome toppings like toasted coconut, flaxseed, nuts, granola, and shaved dark chocolate.

The textural play of cold and crunch in your mouth is crazy-good. You can get so creative with smoothie bowls, plus they’re packed with protein to power you through your workout or through your day!

1/2 cup water
1 scoop protein powder
1/2 cup of frozen berries

Blend and pour in a bowl. Top with pomegranate arils, chia seeds, fresh berries, sliced almonds, etc. Enjoy!

Chocolate Coconut Protein Smoothie Bowl

1/2 cup of coconut or almond milk

2 frozen bananas

1 heaping teaspoon of peanut butter

1 scoop vanilla cake protein powder

Blend together until consistency is how you like it. It may require you to stop and mix up the fruit a bit again so it hits the blades.

Toppings:

Granola (which I layered on bottom)

Dark chocolate shavings or chocolate chips

Toasted Coconut shavings

Enjoy!

Fresh Pomegranate and Berry Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients

1/2cup pomegranate juice
2cups frozen mixed berries
1/2cup fresh pomegranate seeds
1scoop Burt’s Bee’s Plant Based Protein Shake powder

Instructions

This smoothie needs to be very thick, not like a regular smoothie or protein shake. The key is to add the liquid slowly and keep blending until you get a nice, thick smoothie. Add a little bit of pomegranate juice, the Burt’s Bees Protein Shake powder, fresh pomegranate seeds, and 1 cup of the frozen fruit. Blend until combined. Add the rest of the frozen fruit and blend until you get a thick smoothie. Do not overblend.
Pour into a bowl and serve with toppings of your choosing. Try slivered almonds, granola, chia seeds, flax seeds, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, raspberries, dark chocolate shavings, etc.

The post Shake Up Your Protein Shake with Smoothie Bowls appeared first on How Does She.

Eating the Rainbow and Making it a Habit

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:12:18 GMT

*We’d like to thank Calphalon for collaborating with us on this sponsored post. Their knives cut like a dream and make eating the rainbow so much easier!

I’ll be the first to admit that the year 2020 didn’t necessarily bring out the best in me nutritionally speaking.

Stress, uncertainty, and being with my kids nearly every minute of the day led to more chocolate consumption than I care to admit and snacking on their leftover chicken nuggets. Days upon days of quarantine resulted in the same old breakfast and lunch on loop: cereal for breakfast and a bagel and protein shake for lunch. While not a terrible discretion, I’ve noticed one glaring omission from my diet—where were the fruits and vegetables?

What I’ve been eating wasn’t necessarily bad, but it was by no means great either. What a missed opportunity to get vital nutrients and energizing vitamins that come from foods that were very recently living and growing, from seed to something vibrant and beautiful.

Eating the Rainbow and Making it a Habit

One of my physical goals this upcoming new year is to eat the rainbow. More colorful fruits and vegetables, and while it can be easy to forget, here are some ways to make eating the rainbow become more of a habit than an afterthought.

1. Cut fruits and vegetables immediately

You can stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables with all the good intentions in the world, but unless you make them convenient and accessible, they’re likely to go bad before you get to them.

Cut them immediately and place them in a veggie or fruit tray that you can easily grab from the fridge. When I place veggies right by my knives and a cutting board, I’m more likely slice them up. And when I slice up an apple, it gets gobbled up in a second as opposed to that same apple hanging out whole in the fridge for a week. (Check out one of the best apple slicers on the planet!)

Slicing up your fruit and veggies makes you more apt to snack on them! And what you cut with matters too.

Calphalon cutlery is top-of-the line and affordable too. In fact, the Calphalon brand started out serving only restaurants and professional chefs. Soon home cooks caught onto the premium quality and affordability and wanted in too. After overwhelming popularity, Calphalon became available to everyone!

Now you can find Calphalon online and in-stores with superior bakeware, cookware, and knife sets.

Calphalon knives cut like a dream, and the coolest part about this Precision Sharp IN Nonstick set is that they are self-sharpening! The Sharp IN technology sharpens each knife every time you remove it and return it. No taking knives to get sharpened or ill-attempts to do it yourself. Brilliant!

2. Keep it exciting

Keep your relationship with fruits and veggies exciting by trying new things. When possible, visit a farmer’s market or specialty grocery store to grab some interesting produce to try. Some cool fruits to try include: dragonfruit, jackfruit (can take on a savory, meaty taste. Try making jackfruit tacos!), and guava. Experiment with these unique veggies: kholrabi (We used to grow these in our garden. They’re kind of like a big radish and are delicious with a sprinkle of salt.), jicama (yummy in salads), and artichokes (my kids have grown to love them!).

3. Dip it

When it comes to music and veggies, both are better with a little dip. Cut up a tray full of fresh veggies and add a side of hummus or ranch and watch those carrots, broccoli, and peppers fly off the plate.

Looking for some yummy veggie dips? Try these three! And here’s an easy berry dip that is great with apples, oranges, pears, and more.

4. Live by the “add one” rule

The add-one rule is simple. Whatever you’re eating, add a fruit or vegetable to it. Toast for breakfast? Add apple slices. Pasta for dinner? Toss it with some marinated cherry tomatoes. The add-one rule is an easy way to get some much-needed fruits and veggies into your daily diet.

So make eating the rainbow a daily goal that then turns into a habit. You’ll get more essential vitamins, folate, and fiber into your diet that in turn aids in healthy digestion and can even reduce your risk of cancer. Have a good knife that makes cutting fruits and vegetables more convenient. Always keep sliced produce handy and try new varieties every once in a while (have you tried purple potatoes? They’re so fun!). Add some flavor with a yummy dip and always strive for the add-one rule and you’ll be golden. Live healthy, live happy.

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A New Way I’m Saving Time and Money

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 14:59:21 GMT

***This post is sponsored by Walmart. All opinions are our own. We love the Walmart+ membership!***

Balancing a business, a cattle ranch, and six kids is not easy. Most of the time, I am running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off.
This last year, I felt like my cup was beyond full. As I sat talking (crying) to my husband one evening, his simple words struck me, “You need to find systems to make your life easier. Stop trying to do it all.” Systems to make my life easier. Doesn’t that sound lovely? Since then, I’ve done a few things to lighten my load. There are so many resources out there, you just have to find them!

One new resource that is a total game changer is called Walmart+.
Have you heard of it?
It’s a new membership that will help save you so much time and money.
Groceries delivered to your door, member prices on fuel, and so much more.
Most importantly, it will free up MORE time to spend with those you love!

Plus, they just released a brand new benefit that you’re going to LOVE.

Here are some of the ways Walmart+ will help YOU:

1. Walmart+ free shipping
This brand new benefit has everyone so excited – including me! With Walmart+ free shipping, you get free next day and/or 2 day shipping from Walmart.com. There is NO minimum purchase order required! (There are some exclusions on oversized/freight & Marketplace items.) Whether you need a ton of new school clothes for kids or just one pack of underwear, you can get it quickly to your front door at no charge! I mean, who likes to pay for shipping? Not me! Now you can get thousands of items shipped to you with no shipping fee!

2. Free Delivery From Your Store to Your Door
Delivery is the best thing to ever happen to a busy woman! Order what you need via the Walmart App on your phone or from the site and choose a delivery window so you can have it delivered by the time you’re home. You can specify the time you want things to arrive, and there’s no extra cost since it’s included in your Walmart+ membership! There is a $35 purchase order minimum, but if your family goes through groceries like mine does, this is so easy to accomplish. Check to see if this benefit is available in your area HERE.

Just think about how much time and hassle this will save you. No last minute trips to the store. No dragging the kids to get groceries. Have a sick kiddo? Get the medicine brought to you instead of having to take them out! It’s a safer option to stay at home instead of venturing into the stores and you will still receive the same low prices you love. In my opinion, this is worth every penny!

3. Member prices on gas
I don’t know about you, but besides groceries, gas is a big expense in our family! I’m always looking for ways to save on it! With this Walmart+ membership, you can save up to 5 cents/gallon at Walmart and Murphy’s gas stations. PLUS, you can access member pricing at Sam’s Clubs. This will add up super quickly and end up saving you a big chunk every year!

4. Mobile Scan & Go
I haven’t had a chance to try this, but it sounds so awesome. As you’re shopping, you just open up the Walmart app on your phone and scan the items as you put them in your cart. As you do this, it keeps a running total in the app. When you’re done shopping, you just head to the self-checkout register and scan your QR code. Once you do, you finalize payment and just like that, you’re DONE. So easy and a MEGA time saver. No waiting in long lines with fussy kids!

How much does it cost?

An annual Walmart+ membership costs $98, and a monthly membership will be $12.95. Either way, you will get a 15-day free trial if you sign up now. That’s one of the best prices around on a membership with SO many benefits. If you choose the monthly membership you can cancel at any time too! No contracts!

Walmart+ is truly such a great membership. It pays for itself time and again when you think about the time and stress you are saving yourself. I love using all the benefits and feel like it’s something every busy woman should take advantage of! Less time shopping and stressing, more time with your family making memories!

The post A New Way I’m Saving Time and Money appeared first on How Does She.

To-Die-For Stuffed Chocolate Chip Jumbo Cookies

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 22:43:56 GMT

*A big thanks to Calphalon for partnering with us on this sponsored post. I’m sharing my secret jumbo cookies recipe for the first time and I think you’re going to love it!

Baking is a huge part of our family. I grew up at my mother’s side in our tiny kitchen, flour sprinkled all over the island countertop as we cut out heart-shaped sugar cookies or rolled out rolls. On Sunday afternoons when my parents were napping, my siblings and I would break out the church cookbook and try new cookie recipes.

My mom always made it known that she not only approved of our baking experiments, but she encouraged them and gave us full access to the kitchen. Maybe this is where we got our first tastes for freedom and sweet confections.

And if the kitchen was our laboratory, the church cookbook was our textbook. It was a collection of recipes from our friends and family in our church congregation. Little old ladies whose pies were known far and wide and whose cookies had won first prize at the county fair, including the recipe I’m sharing today.

Baking with Calphalon

Just as I’ve grown up with that home-spun cookbook, I’ve grown up cooking and baking with the Calphalon name. It’s basically a friend in the kitchen. From that very first baking set I received for my wedding, to the new Premier Countertop Safe Bakeware Set, the Calphalon name is one I trust in the kitchen.

When it comes to baking essentials, I like Calphalon because it is incredibly sturdy and much more durable than any regular cookie sheet or bread pan. In fact, the brand started out providing premium cookware, bakeware, and cutlery to the restaurant industry. Pretty soon, gourmet home cooks and bakers honed in on Calphalon and started using the same premium products at home. It garnered an almost cult following and so due to popularity, Calphalon made its premium-quality products available for the masses. Now YOU can have the same tools as professional chefs and pastry chefs in your own kitchen! And for very reasonably priced.

I’m testing out the new Calphalon Premier Countertop Safe Bakeware on what might be my favorite cookie of all time: my jumbo chocolate chip stuffed cookie.

Chocolate Chip Stuffed Jumbo Cookies

The base for this ginormous, melt-in-your-mouth cookie comes from that beloved church cookbook that still has a place on my shelf today. This blue-ribbon chocolate chip cookie is full-bodied and packed with chocolate chip goodness. I’ve baked this recipe for decades and it is always a favorite, but recently I tweaked it into something even more amazing. This is a chocolate chip cookie 2.0!

It’s three times the size of a regular cookie, and it has a gooey surprise inside that sends you over the edge! The Calphalon Countertop Safe cookie sheet was well up for the task. The size was perfect for these jumbo cookies, so make sure you either have a large cookie sheet or bake in smaller batches because these cookies get big. (Did I mention these cookies were large?)

To-Die-For Jumbo Chocolate Chip Stuffed Cookies

Ingredients

3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cube butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1-2 cups chocolate chips (your preference)
10-12 tablespoons (each separated) chilled Nutella hazelnut spread or Biscoff spread

Instructions

These jumbo cookies are stuffed with either Nutella or Biscoff so a few hours before you make the cookies, chill a small bowlful of Nutella or Biscoff spread in the refrigerator until firm. When firm, spoon by tablespoon into a muffin tin so that you have 10-12 separate mounds. Return to the refrigerator to keep chill.
Next, begin the cookies. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add sugars and butter and mix until creamy. Next add the vanilla and eggs. Mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, add flour, salt, and baking soda and stir until blended. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and combine until smooth. Add chocolate chips until well-incorporated.
Chill the dough for 1-2 hours.
To stuff the cookies, make a large ball (twice the size of a normal cookie) and flatten it out on the cookie sheet. Take a tablespoon of chilled spread (Nutella or Biscoff) and place in the middle. Fold the cookie dough up around the cookie so that the spread is sealed off. Place on a cookie sheet, six at a time.
Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes. Let cool. Makes 10-12 jumbo cookies.

https://howdoesshe.com/stuffed-chocolate-chip-jumbo-cookies/

Pro Tips:

To stuff the cookies without making a mess: first chill the Nutella or Biscoff spreads (we love both!) in the fridge in a bowl. Then use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to spoon out the hardened spread and drop them in a muffin tin. This keeps them nicely separated. Return to the fridge to keep cold and firm. Believe me, it’s much easier to stuff cookies this way.

Get a big ball of dough (at least twice the size as normal). Flatten it out on the cookie sheet.

Place the chilled Nutella or Biscoff spread on the flattened dough.

Fold the cookie dough up around the spread until it’s completely sealed.

Give more space to bake: these cookies are large and need room to grow.

Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a more complex depth of flavor.
Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.

I hope you enjoy one of my favorite cookies of all time. I feel like I’m sharing a secret that I’m not sure I want to share, but cookies this decadent should be enjoyed by all.

The Calphalon Premier Countertop Safe Bakeware lived up to all of my baking expectations and needs. Durable cake pans, bread pan, and muffin tins, and the cookie sheet is large and flexible. What I love best is that all of these pieces are safe to place directly onto my countertops!

They each have heat-resistant, no slip silicone feet that are oven safe up to 450 degrees, dishwasher safe, and most importantly, protect your countertops from any heat damage.

Let me know if you try these cookies at home! And make sure to add a few Calphalon pieces to your kitchen. They are premium quality to last you a lifetime of gourmet baking and cooking.

The post To-Die-For Stuffed Chocolate Chip Jumbo Cookies appeared first on How Does She.

Get Better Skin in the New Year: 3 Bad Habits to Drop and 5 To Adopt

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 15:50:39 GMT

The older I get, the more conscientious I become of nurturing healthy skin. Heck, it’s gotta get me through the rest of my life! In my 20s, I never gave a thought to skincare and I’m paying for it now with fine lines and spots. No matter how young or old you are, it’s never too late to take charge of healthy skin. So here are some unhealthy habits to kick and five new ones to adopt daily for skin so healthy it glows.

5 Daily Habits To Get Better Skin & 3 To Kick to the Curb

Before you can develop new healthy habits, you’ve got to get rid of the unhealthy ones that are causing damage to your skin. Here are three bad habits to kick to the curb:

Stop smoking: Nicotine prevents adequate blood flow to the skin, depriving it of essential oxygen and nutrients.
Stop going to bed without washing your face: It’s easy to do…we all have nights where just slipping into bed is much more appealing. But dirt and oil collect on your face all day long, even if you can’t see it.
Skip the tanning bed: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, tanning is bad news for your skin. Just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of melanoma by 20%.

5-Step Healthy Skin Regimen You Should Do Daily

Your skin is just as individual as you are. There are some factors beyond your control, like genetics and hormonal changes that can cause breakouts and other skin conditions in which you should consult your dermatologist. But this 5-step routine is sound care that everyone should use daily. It’s simple enough to become habit and years of perseverance will make a huge difference in the quality of your skin.

Cleanse: You can use mild soap and water or a multitude of cleansers (we like CeraVe and Cetaphil facial cleansers). Don’t forget your neck as well!
Tone: Toner can help remove any left-behind oils or dirt missed by the cleansing process. It clears out pores and leaves your skin feeling fresh. (Our recommendations: this Micellar Water toner from Avon or Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with a little water.)
Serum: What is serum? Serums are lightweight moisturizers, most often nutrient rich oil-based, that penetrate skin cells deeper and deliver active ingredients and nutrients (1). If you’re new to using serum, a little goes a long way. You’ll also want to look for serums with natural antioxidants like vitamin C and grape seed extract. (We like COUI serums and dragon’s blood serum.)
SPF: Short and simple, this step is a must. Do not skip out or skimp on your daily SPF. The AAD recommends a broad spectrum protection of SPF 30 or above every single day you plan to step outside, even on a cloudy day. We love Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 110.
Moisturize: Finally, end your regimen by moisturizing. This applies to your face, neck, and the rest of your body. Moisturizing helps your skin stay supple and young. It relieves dryness and gives your skin a healthy glow. If you are prone to oily skin, try one of these highly-rated oil-free moisturizers.

Take care of your skin now so it can carry you beautifully into the future. Turn these five above steps into a habit and your skin will be the better for it.

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4 Rad Reasons To Take Your Tervis

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 12:12:38 GMT

Thanks for stopping by! We’re partnering with Tervis on this sponsored post. We’ve loved them for years and so all opinions are our own.

Drinks are pretty important in our family and while we come and go throughout the day, everyone grabs a Tervis. A tumbler of orange juice in the morning, an ice cold water bottle at the gym, or a family movie night with mugs of hot cocoa–Tervis is an accessory to our family’s life. We take our Tervis everywhere because they’re amazing quality and make staying hydrated convenient and fun. I mean, check out all their creative designs!

When you get a Tervis, you get a friend for life.

4 Reasons To Take Your Tervis

If you don’t have a Tervis yet, you need one. It’s like chocolate, or fuzzy socks, or reruns of The Office…life is just better with those things. Here are some compelling reasons to seal the deal.

1. They’re Made To Last a Lifetime

Speaking from personal experience, you can drive away with a Tervis water bottle on the roof of your car and retrieve it from the ground unscathed. I wouldn’t recommend it, but forgetfulness happens.

If you have kids, Tervis mugs are a must.

They are practically indestructible and believe me, they’ve been bounced off the floor before. We love them for both hot and cold beverages. They’re microwavable and hold the heat for a long time so you can enjoy your hot cocoa well into a movie night.

2. You’re Helping the Earth

One of the greatest things about owning a Tervis is that you are helping save the Earth from disposable waste products. Fill your tumbler up and take it with you rather than grabbing a plastic water bottle that ends up clogging up landfills and worse, littering oceans and rivers.

Tervis is one of those companies that practices what they preach. Sustainability isn’t just a buzz-word, it’s a lifestyle. You can read about all of the cool things they do to uphold eco-consciousness on a daily basis.

By filling up your Tervis wide-mouth water bottle or other trendy drinkware, you’re also playing a vital role in caring for nature. Just another great reason to take your Tervis.

3. Fun designs

Water bottles aren’t just a beverage essential, they’re a fashion statement. Check out all of the fun designs, including tie dye and powder coated wide-mouth water bottles.

I find that when I have a cute water bottle or tumbler, I want to carry it with me and drink more water. I’ve had this pretty shimmer violet tumbler for a few years now and I always get lots of compliments.

A Tervis can become a cool accessory to any outfit.

4. You Can Personalize Your Tervis

Mark your territory with Tervis’s customization options. This is great for kids who are constantly “misplacing” things. Especially this year where my kids need to take their own refillable water bottles to school, it’s nice to have their names on them. You can personalize a Tervis mug, water bottle or tumbler with your kids’ names so that it never ends up in the lost and found again.

These Tervis mugs are the absolute best. We bring them out with the hot cocoa bar, turn on a holiday movie, and enjoy a few Christmas traditions like decorating the tree or just sitting by the fire.

Tervis Favorites and Accessories

With so many great products, I thought I’d highlight some of my favorites:

Tie dye Tervis (especially the “Snow Cone” water bottle)
The Tervis Fan Shop: Find your favorite time, from college to the NFL. It’s a fun way to show your fandom.
This golf ball tumbler: a great gift for my hubby last year.
Powder coated drinkware: Super cool, super classic
These travel lids: Ensures you never spill your favorite drink. You can sip from them or drink from a reusable straw.

So if you don’t have one yet, or if you’re ready for a fun addition to your current drinkware collection, go find your perfect Tervis and drink happy!

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Then Comes Baby: 8 To-Dos in Planning for Pregnancy

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 12:14:06 GMT

*Thanks to our friends at First Response for sponsoring this post. Planning for pregnancy is an exciting time!

A Facebook memory popped up on my feed today that sent me reeling back eight years. It was a photo of my smooth-skinned newborn baby girl taken at the hospital just moments after her birth. Her tongue probed in and out like a lizard, tasting those first little bits of air and her tiny body radiated a warmth and light from within. I was her guardian, her protector. I looked at that sweet memory and then over at my now 8-year-old, reading an Elephant & Piggy book aloud to her stuffed animals with sass and flare and remembered all the careful planning and trying that it took to get her into this world. I remembered that childhood song we’d sing as we were jumping rope on the playground…

“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage…”

Even back then as a young girl, I always knew I wanted to be the mama in the rocking chair, singing her babies to sleep. In planning for my babies, I wanted to do all the “right” things like eating healthy and taking prenatal vitamins.

Families are what this life is all about and planning for one is very exciting! Every woman is different, and every pregnancy story is unique. But here are some sound tips that you can implement when planning for pregnancy.

Planning for Pregnancy: What To Stop, What To Start, and What to Continue

Stop:

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (Source 1), smoking, consuming alcohol, and intaking drugs can make it harder for you to get pregnant and increase your chance of miscarriage. They also put your child at greater risk of health problems both when they are born and later in life. Alcohol (even small amounts) can harm a growing fetus and cause long-term maladies like mental and physical disabilities and heart defects.
Discuss with your doctor any prescription medicine you are currently taking and how they may affect family planning.
Cut back on the caffeine. As much as it pains many of us coffee and soda lovers, did you know that women who daily consume more than 2 cups of coffee or the equivalent of 5 cans of soda may have a harder time getting pregnant and a greater chance of miscarriage? (Source 1) If you’re trying to plan a family, going on a caffeine furlough is a good idea.

Start:

Consuming foods high in folic acid. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach…bring on the greens mama because they are packed with folic acid which is a super-vitamin for women trying to conceive. Folate (aka folic acid) is a natural form of vitamin B9 and is needed to produce healthy red blood cells (Source 2). So what’s all the hype about Folate and pregnancy? Well, it is critical during periods of rapid growth and fetal development. Just think–you are building another human inside of you in only 40 weeks! You can also get folic acid from beans, peanuts, fresh fruits, eggs, and liver (hey, some people love it!).

Using a fertility lubricant. It’s the elephant in the room that must be talked about. Lube ladies, it makes a big difference when you’re trying to conceive. Since you’ll be practicing a lot, the type of personal lubricant you use matters. Opt for a fertility lubricant like Pre-Seed that is specially formulated for couples trying to conceive. Many people don’t realize this, but not all lubricants are sperm-friendly; some may even limit sperm motility. Pre-Seed is designed to be isotonic and pH balanced similar to the natural vaginal environment to aid in supporting sperm survival.

Continue:

Exercising. If you have a current exercise routine you love, keep doing it! Regular exercise while trying to conceive can help your body prepare for all the changes that you will go through during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, exercising during pregnancy can reduce back pain, decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery, as well as help you lose the baby weight after your little one is born. (Source 3) Always consult your doctor about starting or continuing an exercise routine.
Relaxing. Reducing stress may make it easier to become pregnant. US News reports that in a recent study, women with high amounts of alpha-amylase (an enzyme associated with stress) had a harder time trying to get pregnant. (Source 4) If you’re trying to conceive, now might not an ideal time to make any major life changes like switching jobs, moving, or buying/selling a home.
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. When trying to get pregnant, strive for a healthy body weight. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consult with your doctor on any questions you have concerning what you should or shouldn’t be eating.

Planning for pregnancy is such a special experience. Sometimes it takes you by surprise, while for others it requires more patience and preparation. But the feeling you get with that positive pregnancy test is rivaled only by the one that comes from holding a warm newborn in your arms. When it comes to bringing babies into this world, checking off a few boxes to help make getting pregnant easier is completely worth it.

Sources:

Jacobson, J.D. (2018, March 19). Steps to take before you get pregnant. Medline Plus: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000513.htm
Folate (Folic Acid) –Vitamin B9. Harvard T.H. Chan, School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/folic-acid/
Exercise During Pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy
Johnson, M. (2010, August 27). Can’t Get Pregnant? How Stress May Be Causing Your Infertility. U.S. News & World Report. https://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/womens-health/articles/2010/08/27/cant-get-pregnant-how-stress-may-be-causing-your-infertility

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Everyday Cozy Comfort with Walmart

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 13:39:16 GMT

***This post is sponsored by Walmart and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own, and I’ve been buying ALL the cozy things at Walmart!***

True Story: I have purchased more for my wardrobe from Walmart this season than any other store! They have been KILLING it in the style department – especially when it comes to what I think is “cozy” wear. It’s freezing outside, and I’m chasing 6 kids. I want my outfits to be comfortable, warm, versatile, and moveable.
I think I found quite a few pieces you are going to love. Some of them I even bought as gifts because I know my friends/family will love them as much as me!

Did you know Walmart has FREE 2 day shipping on orders $35+? Nothing like NOT have to go into a store and just have it shipped to your door. I also have to say that their online returns are crazy easy! You can just print a pre paid label (on most items) and stick it back in the mail if something doesn’t work for you! For the majority of items I’ve purchased online, I’ve felt the sizing has been pretty consistent. I am always sure to check out the reviews to see how others felt the fit was too!

Here are some comfy and cozy finds you need TODAY (and by the way, some are on sale!):

1. Band tees: I feel like old school band tees are my way of staying cool. I just love them! They’re just so easy to throw on with jeans and a comfy open cardigan. You’ll look stylish without even trying! I’m all about easy and casual these days! I would size up a size in this tee so you have a more comfy fit.

2. Athletic quilted puffer: I’m a sucker for a good puffer vest. I own this in olive and I love that it’s a more slim, less puffy fit. It has an athletic vibe that is also easy to layer. It comes in several colors, and is also available in plus sizes HERE. Be sure to check out the subtle camo print. I think it’s great!

3. Striped Avia Leggings : I’ve owned these for a couple years now and they’re still going strong. They’re a higher rise athletic legging that pairs well with just about any sweatshirt/jacket. I like that they have pockets and a special inner “drawstring” that allows you to tighten the waist. That means they stay up even during the most taxing workout!

4. SUPER SOFT camo tunic : This is honestly one of the top 3 more worn piece in my current wardrobe. It’s INSANELY soft in the inside. It fits oversized, but not sloppy with a great drop sleeve. I own it in camo, but it’s coming to me in leopard next. I actually got a couple of these as gifts too. I figure if I love them that much, so will everyone else!

5. Crewneck sweatshirt: I love this basic crewneck because they literally go with everything. I’m often in leggings, vests, coats etc, this time of year, and this is the perfect layering sweatshirt. It’s not super heavy! It has side slits with a slightly longer back hem so you can easily pair with your favorite leggings.

6. Plus size Ruffled Leopard Sweatshirt: I spied this and had in include it because, is it not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? I love that they took a “normal” sweatshirt, and added that ruffle just to take things up a notch. This would be easy to dress up with black pants and boots or dress down with athletic pants and sneakers!

7. Super soft joggers: At only $13, these are a MUST buy. I own them in camo (It’s a subtle print and I love it!) and they are so warm and soft. Heads up. They’ve sold out several times so don’t wait too long on these. I’ve paired them with a denim jack, tee and slip on tees on less frigid days, but they’re also always my pick around the house when it’s freezing! Ultimate comfort.

8. Leopard fly knit Shoes: These are a new release, and I think they’re perfect! The knit style is popular now and I feel like it’s also so comfortable. It just slightly molds around your food and provides lots of flexibility.

9. Cozy Bobble Sweater : I bought this on a whim, and I must say, it’s SO good in real life. The detail is fantastic and the color is this perfect heathered look. It looks super high end, but the price is just right.

10. Mom Jeans: I now own 3 pairs of these jeans. They’re a great high waist style that tucks it all in comfortably. They are junior sizing. I am a size 4/6 in womens and can do a 5 or 7. They go up to size 22!

11. Boucle cardigan : This is just one of those cardigans that everyone should own. They go with everything from a dress to tee and jeans. Throw it on and go!

See what I mean? Such great wardrobe staples that will take you through REAL life, cozy and comfy all the way. I like that they often have extended sizing so there’s something for everyone too! Take advantage of these awesome styles at wonderful price points now. You won’t beat this kind of quality comfort at these kinds of prices.

Let me know if there is anything you have purchased that I should snag!

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How I Encourage My Kids To Have a Healthy Relationship with Food

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:04:44 GMT

I have a very distinct memory as a child of my younger brother sitting at the kitchen table long after dinner had been cleared away. In front of him sat a plate of pushed around spinach and untouched peas. He was glued to his chair, just like my parents told him to be until he ate at least three bites. It was a silent battle of wills.

I don’t remember if he actually ate his greens or not, but I do remember the silhouette of him sitting there for what felt like hours as the sun went down.

When it comes to picky eaters, I’ve been there, done that. With four children, it is a struggle getting them to eat a well-rounded diet. My 8-year-old daughter prefers the all-carb diet (noodles, bread, and plain rice), while my 6-year-old son looks at anything red with a skeptical eye. I think I’ve always kept in mind that image of my little brother cemented to his chair–to this day he still hates spinach and peas–and wanted to try something different with my own kids.

Encouraging a healthy relationship with food starts at a young age and continues with us for the rest of our lives. With a little patience, affinity for certain foods can develop over time. Kids might not like tomatoes now, but they may learn to love them later in life. And let’s face it, there are still certain foods that we as adults don’t like. You don’t need to force the issue. It’s okay if kids don’t like blueberries right away, and we shouldn’t ruin possibility of them liking blueberries later.

Here are some ways I’ve found to show my kids it’s cool to try new foods, but it’s also okay if they don’t like them yet.

How I Encourage My Kids To Have a Healthy Relationship with Food

Let them plan the menu.

If I tell my kids we’re having beef bolognese for dinner, they’re going to shake their heads. But if I show them recipes on Pinterest, chances are they’re going to pick it out of a lineup because it looks just like spaghetti with meat sauce. When I let me kids help plan the menu, they are three times as likely to eat it. That is huge!

I’ve started letting each of my four kids choose one meal a week. And because I don’t want the same foods all the time, I search “Italian recipes” and let them pick from the search results. Or if we’re doing Blue Apron that week, I have my kids help choose the recipes. They have so many amazing recipes that always look delicious in photos so it’s helped all of us try new things. Blue apron now offers customization so you can substitute proteins, starches, and veggies so that you can find something you KNOW your kid will enjoy.

Help prepare the meal

Kids are more apt to try something that they’ve had a hand in cooking. I’m all about letting kids help in the kitchen. When my oldest daughter was a toddler, she didn’t want to eat anything that wasn’t pizza and macaroni and cheese. Then I gave her a blunt knife and let her cut carrots for a stir fry. She ate carrots that night for the first time in her life.

When kids are part of the cooking process, it becomes fun; not something they have to do, but something they want to. And when they’ve handled broccoli and helped chop it and put it in the bowl, they actually want to try it. They’re okay trying something new when it’s on their terms and if they don’t like it yet, no big deal. Let them know that it’s okay and that they might enjoy it later.

One thing that has helped my kids immensely to be more adventurous eaters are the Blue Apron boxes we get. Every time a new box hits our doorsteps, my kids are first on the scene to bring it in and open it up, trying to guess each vegetable and ingredient inside. They’ve discovered things like watermelon radishes and Bok Choy. We pick out recipes together that look yummy and fun to try.

And now you can customize your Blue Apron recipes to better fit your liking! Blue Apron Customized allows you to swap, add, or upgrade to ensure that everyone in the family can enjoy Blue Apron, even your hungry hubbies/partners/growing kiddos, and picky eaters. It’s an easy way to have a home-cooked meal when you’re sick of cooking. Plus, my kids love to help pick out the recipes and swap out what they want!

Don’t force it.

I personally don’t believe in forcing children to eat certain things; making them choke down a Brussels sprout or ground them for not finishing their plate. Doing that makes you the enemy and food the enemy. But I’m also not a short-order cook. What we’re having for dinner is the only thing we’re having for dinner that night. If my daughter doesn’t want pork chops that night, she is welcome to make something for herself as long as it contains at least four food groups.

Encouraging tricks

Rather than focus on the negative like staying at the table until the plate is clean, here are some encouraging tricks that work in our family:

How old are you? I bet you could eat that many more bites!

Ooh, I just saw your muscles grow when you ate that! I bet you could make them grow bigger.

Sure, you can be done but you won’t get any dessert because you didn’t finish.

Did you know that carrots make your eyes strong? You’ll be able to have superhero vision!

Turn it into a teaching moment

What kids eat doesn’t have to be a mystery. The more they know, the cooler that food becomes. When we pulled a head of Radicchio out of a recent Blue Apron box, my kids had all kinds of questions. What is that? Where does it come from? What does it taste like?

We turned it into a teaching experience. I had my oldest daughter research Radicchio on the web and report to us. My kids all took turns holding it and even sniffing it. We prepared it together and then everyone was anxious to try it when we set the plates out. Every single person ate Radicchio that night and while there were mixed reviews, we all tried something new and many of us liked it!

Take the time to teach kids about food, like what it’s called and the nutritional benefits. When kids know how Brussels sprouts can help them fight off sicknesses, they will be more open to trying them rather than simply being told they have to.

Peer influence

I wasn’t even there to witness the first cheeseburger my daughter ever ate and she was 10 years old. After swimming with her cousins, they all went to Sonic and my sister-in-law ordered a bag of burgers. No choices, just burgers. And when my daughter saw her cousins diving in, she decided to try one. And guess what…she liked it! She now orders cheeseburgers all the time (rather than asking for just the bun). Sometimes as parents it’s best to just back off and let our children’s food exploration happen naturally.

The post How I Encourage My Kids To Have a Healthy Relationship with Food appeared first on How Does She.

Don’t make your ham until you read this…Bone-In Baked Ham Recipe

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 18:02:26 GMT

Best Ham Recipe

Why Sam I Am changed his mind about ham…

Bone-in-Ham and Ham Sauce

Best Ham Recipe

Best Ham Recipe. When it is time to start learning how to do the traditional holiday meals on your own, it can be intimidating! So what do you do? Call your mom, of course! That is how I found out that a ham really isn’t hard. It is easy, but you will be completely missing out if you don’t try making it like my mom and grandma. This recipe turns a regular old ham into something you will be asked to make again and again. Best Ham Recipe. Bone-In Baked Ham Recipe. Yum.

I talked my mom into teaching you what she taught me. What better way to learn how to do it than from the pro herself! I also roped my dad into taking photos of it since they don’t live by me – he did a great job, right? Take it away mom (and just so you know, she is a cooking GENIUS and I’m not just saying that cause she’s my mom:):

“My name is Pam and I am a copy-recipe-a-holic!”

I recently was asked to do a food demonstration. My friend, Mary, who has had lots of my “foodie” creations in the past, said, “Ooh, make that ham and ham sauce!”

So I brought my bulging categorized hanging file of recipes I’ve copied from Food Network and food websites to the demonstration. Then I explained that with all of those tantalizing recipes, I was going to demonstrate “tried and true” ones – BONE-IN HAM AND GRANDMA’S HAM SAUCE. I learned them from my mother-in-law and have been making them for special occasions for years.

BAKED BONE-IN HAM

6 – 8 lb. bone-in ham (ask butcher if you don’t see it)
1 cup (approximately) orange juice
2 cups (approximately) lemon-lime soda
1 cup of brown sugar
½ cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon of dry mustard
1 teaspoon of ginger

Stir together ingredients in a roaster pan with a lid.

Place ham, fat side up, in a roaster pan, and baste the juicy mixture over the ham.

Cover and bake at 300 degrees for about ½ hour per pound (it’s not exact, and at the low heat, it’s hard to mess up but the key is LOW and SLOW!) Baste occasionally with the juices at the bottom of the pan.

GRANDMA’S HAM SAUCE

In medium saucepan beat together with a fork:

1 egg
5 Tablespoons water
5 Tablespoons vinegar
Then add:
¼ cup sugar
1 Tablespoon of flour
¼ teaspoon (or to taste) celery seed
1 Tablespoon of dry mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Cook and stir on LOW heat until mixture thickens.

Cool completely to room temperature, covering with a saucepan lid.

Whip ½ cup whipping cream

When cool, fold in whipped cream.

Chill and serve with ham.

This sauce MAKES the ham!

You HAVE to try it! Try it and you may, try it and you may I say.

Thanks, mom and grandma! I hope this recipe makes your holiday meal extra special!

Merry Christmas!

Don’t make your ham until you read this…

Ingredients

6 – 8 lb. bone-in ham (ask butcher if you don’t see it)
1 cup (approximately) orange juice
2 cups (approximately) lemon-lime soda
1 cup of brown sugar
½ cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon of dry mustard
1 teaspoon of ginger
Sauce: 1 egg
5 Tablespoons water
5 Tablespoons vinegar
¼ cup sugar
1 Tablespoon of flour
1 Tablespoon of dry mustard
¼ teaspoon (or to taste) celery seed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup whipping cream

Instructions

Stir together first 6 ingredients (other than the ham) in a roaster pan with a lid
Place ham, fat side up, in roaster pan, and baste the juicy mixture over the ham.
Cover and bake at 300 degrees for about ½ hour per pound (it’s not exact, and at the low heat, it’s hard to mess up but the key is LOW and SLOW!) Baste occasionally with the juices at the bottom of the pan.
Beat together sauce ingredients (except whipping cream) and cook and stir on LOW heat until mixture thickens.
Cool completely to room temperature, covering with saucepan lid.
Whip ½ cup whipping cream
When cool, fold in whipped cream.
Chill and serve with ham.

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Let kidpik Do the Shopping for You this Season!

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:26:38 GMT

The less shopping I have to do this holiday season, the better. We’re teaming up with kidpik on this fun sponsored post to show you how kidpik makes the perfect gift for parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who want to win gift-giving this holiday season. It’s so easy AND you get $80 off your first box with code HDS80–that is the lowest I’ve EVER seen!

Let kidpik Do the Shopping for You This Season

We are huge fans of kidpik for three big reasons: we love a surprise, we love getting happy mail, and kidpik replenishes our kiddos’ clothing stash each season when they outgrow their old clothes.

And this holiday season, kidpik is pulling out ALL the stops with the most adorable cozy holiday clothing. Here’s a sneak peek at what comes inside their winter box!

Subscription Boxes

Give the kids in your life a gift that will bring joy and excitement well beyond the holiday season. Kidpik subscription boxes are so much fun and bring a huge smile to a child’s face whenever they show up. My kids can’t wait for the day that their kidpik box shows up–it’s the highlight of their week! And at $80 off your first box (use code HDS80), it’s fun for parents too!

How it works:

Kidpik is for kids sizes 4-16
You take a quick 3-minute quiz about your child’s size and style preferences.
Decide how often you want a box (every 1, 2, or 3 months).
Kidpik stylists get to work curating the perfect box for your child!
Each box comes with 7 items, including shoes.
When the box comes, your child is welcome to turn your living room into a dressing room. Try things on at home for up to 7 days and only pay for what you keep. Send anything else back in a pre-paid return envelope. There is no styling fee and shipping, returns, and exchanges are free!

Pricing:

Normally, the average box is $95 when a 30% off keep-all discount is applied, which ends up being just $13.50 per item. But today, we have an awesome offer for you! Use the code HDS80 to get $80 off your first box when you keep-all–bringing each item to around just $10.00! That is an amazing deal!

The kidpik Store: No Subscription Required

Have you visited the kidpik store yet? Here you can find all of the favorite kidpik items sold individually, no subscription required! And *NEW* for the holiday–pre-styled gift boxes, matching sister outfits, mommy & me boxes, and more! The nice thing about these boxes is that you can preview them before purchasing.

The kidpik shop is great if you want to send a gift box to someone far away, or just score a cute dress for family photos or new shoes because your cutie has outgrown his or hers.

Everything in the kidpik shop is super reasonably priced and you can receive 30% off when you buy 7 items or more!

Perfect kidpik Gift Boxes

Tackle your holiday shopping from the safety of your home. One click and you can gift a personalized and perfectly packaged present to a special kiddo in your life.

Whether you’re looking to style your kids for holiday occasions, or just need warm and cozy looks that will stay at the top of their rotation this winter, kidpik holiday subscription boxes and a la carte items have you covered! They even have new family pj’s for 50% off this season!

So whether it’s your first box, a fun gift box, or that perfect individual item, see how much fun kidpik is for yourself!

The post Let kidpik Do the Shopping for You this Season! appeared first on How Does She.

How Does She

Getting Active with the Family this New Year

1.This Boys Nike set

2. Kids Leotards

3. The BEST athletic shoes

4. A great sports bra

5. Leggings that stay put

6. These go-with-anything tanks

Walgreens Curbside: Top 12 Items To Grab

Walgreens Curbside: Top 12 Items To Grab

1. Toilet Paper

2. Paper Products

3. Laundry Detergent

4. Cleaning Supplies

5. Disinfectants

6. Immunity Boosters

7. Medicine

8. Basic Groceries

9. Beverages

10. Feminine Products

11. Diapers and Wipes

12. My Favorite Mascara

13 Thoughtful Gifts to Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day

Today’s Deals

17 Tips and Recipes for Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday

Tips for Blissful Meatlessness

1. Have a Conversation

2. Convert Favorite Recipes

3. Let Kids Help

4. Prep in Advance

Quick Meal Suggestions – Because Meatless Monday Can Be SUPER Simple

5. Baked potato with Vegetarian Chili

6. Refried Bean and Veggie Rollup

7. Salad with Beans and/or Quinoa

8. Canned Lentil Soup

9. Fruit and Oatmeal for Dinner

10. Smashed Baby Potatoes with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo

Meatless Monday Recipes

Bonus – 5 Favorite Vegan Recipe Books

Also – Books About Meatlessness

Joggers: The good, the REALLY good, and the Ugly.

Crz Yoga Jogger

Leggings Joggers

Crz Yoga Lightweight training Jogger

Core10 High Waisted Jogger

Avia Transport Jogger

Oalka Jogger

Accept the 7 Day Eat at Home Challenge – Save Time, Save Money, Save Your Sanity.

If you have found yourself saying any of these statement, this is for you.

PLUS, during our challenge, they are 30% off!!!!! Just use code FRESHSTART here! (Sale starts the 12th)

You can get the meal plans we’re using NOW, HERE. (Remember to use code FRESHSTART to save 30%)

REMEMBER TO SEE THE MEAL PLANS WE’LL BE USING HERE! HERE

How Gross Is My…? 9 Things That Might Gross You Out if You Knew

How Gross Is My…

1. Loofa

2. Kid’s toilet

3. Microwave filter

5. Home air ducts

6. Fridge

7. Bra

8. Kitchen sponge

9. Shoe bottoms

23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent

23 Ways To Really Help Your Aging Parent or Grandparent

1. Visit them regularly.

2. Call regularly.

3. Invite them on outing with you.

4. Empathize with them.

5. Fix something for them.

6. Locate potentially unsafe areas in their home.

7. Attend doctor’s visits with them.

8. Help them declutter without being pushy.

9. Recommend good books.

10. Update their calendar each month.

11. Help them prioritize tasks.

12. Help them with shopping and meal prep.

13. Plan a weekly event they can look forward to.

14. Encourage physical activity.

15. Help them get involved with other seniors.

PLUS, during our challenge, they are 30% off!!!!!
Just use code FRESHSTART here!
(Sale starts the 12th)

You can get the meal plans we’re using NOW, HERE.
(Remember to use code FRESHSTART to save 30%)

REMEMBER TO SEE THE MEAL PLANS WE’LL BE USING HERE!
HERE