Questionable Choices in Parenting

Laughing at life as a parent so they don't commit me

On-the-Go Snack Ideas For Your Kids

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Whether it is a quick trip to the store or a long trip to grandma’s house, snacking in the car is a way to keep everyone full and happy. So to make the snacking easier and less messy, here are a few on-the-go snack hacks that everyone in your family will love.

  • You can still have a healthy snack that is prefect for being in the car. Fill a small plastic container with sliced fruit and attach a plastic fork to the top of the lid with masking tape.
  • Take your favorite yogurt to-go but skip the spoon. Just pack a straw so when you are ready to eat, just poke a hole into the foil wrapper and drink your yogurt. This also works for kid’s squeeze yogurt tubes.
  • Load up the bottom of a small plastic jar with hummus, peanut butter, or another type of nut butter and then pile in the veggies like carrot sticks or celery. Now you can use the veggies to dip, but everything is  in one convenient container so there is less mess and less containers in the car.
  • Freeze water bottles and use them as ice packs in your cooler. When they thaw, you’ll have a refreshing and cold drink. Plus you won’t waste cooler space on ice packs.

Click right here to see the entire list!

We’ve Got Some News…

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So there is a little secret that we’ve been keeping under wraps  and we are all so excited to finally tell everyone. This July we will officially be a party of five!

We are all over the moon about adding a new babe to our bunch. While the first trimester was ROUGH–I’m feeling, well, tired is how I’m feeling now that I’m firmly in the second trimester.

What has been the most amazing part of finding out we are having a baby, is the reactions from Aaron and Lyla. They are so excited and every day talk to my belly and tell the baby all the things they will do together once the baby is born. I knew the kids would be excited, but their gentle and loving reactions have made all the morning sickness, aches, pains, and other grievances that come with pregnancy WORTH IT!.

We took a video of how my husband and I told the kids, and I’ll post it soon so that you can cry along with me.

I hope you will come along with me on this journey as I explore what it means to be a new mom all over again. So expect lots of new baby content but also my life hacks posts and DIYs for you and your entire family.

Now, I need a nap because I’m making a human and that is a lot of work.

xo

 

Healthy Food Swaps

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March is National Nutrition Month and I got the chance to chat all about simple food swaps that you can make every day for better health.

First we are going to start in your fridge!

I don’t know if you’ve heard of fairlife ultra-filtered milk but it’s great and we love it in our house. Not only does fairlife have 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk , but it is really delicious.

Also, it’s lactose free has no artificial growth hormones, and it naturally  contains  9 essential vitamins & minerals. So this simple swap really is a no-brainer.

It comes in all the popular varieties, from skim milk to whole, and my kids are crazy about the chocolate flavor. I even put it in my coffee to make it taste like a mocha. It’s my little morning pick-me-up.

Up next– your morning cereal! Swapping your regular cereal for Special K Protein Honey Almond Ancient Grains cereal is a great way to get a yummy and protein packed breakfast.  Each serving provides 15g of protein and that number climbs to 24g of protein per serving in a single bowl when served with ¾ cup of fairlife.

 

Alright, moving on to lunch and dinner. Making healthy meals that are quick and easy is no longer difficult thanks to Fresh Express. Their packaged salads are chef-inspired, high quality like you’d find at a restaurant but you can make them at home in minutes.  They come in so many delicious flavors and I feel like a salad made by someone else always tastes better. This is such an easy and healthy swap!

Finally, snacking throughout the day is super important. So having a healthy option like Wonderful Halos mandarins is a simple and easy swap. Not only are they sweet, seedless and easy to peel, they are packed with vitamin C and are a good source of fiber. Halos are the perfect on-the-go snack for your entire family.

Here’s a few links to the Healthy Swaps segments:

 

Valentine Treats and Activities for Your Little Sweeties

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Fun fact: I LOVE Valentine’s Day. I love all the hearts, flowers, and candy. But what I really love is making this sweet day even sweeter for my kids. Aaron and Lyla joined me at TLC to make a few Valentine’s Day treats and activities, and I really think you are going to love what we did. Check it out!

Click right here to see the video!

Big Game Fun for Your Littlest Fans

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The Super Bowl is the perfect time to throw a fun football-filled party, but don’t forget about your littlest fans! Today on TLC, the kids and I are showing you how to throw the perfect Big Game with a few DIYs.  From treats, games, and even fan favorites, no matter who wins the game–you’ll have happy little fans.

Click right here to see the video! 

 

 

Winter Car Hacks that Will Get You on the Road Faster

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f Old Man Winter has been dumping lots of snow, ice and frigid temperatures, then your car is probably showing the side effects of winter. From frozen doors to icy windshields, here are a few hacks to get your car ready to roll even in the coldest weather and snow.
You can’t start your commute if you can’t get inside your car! Those freezing temps and ice can make getting into car seem impossible. A few squirts of antibacterial gel will quickly unfreeze your door locks. The trick here is the alcohol in your hand sanitizer! It actually melts the ice and allows you to safely open your car. If you can plan ahead before the cold weather hits, spray cooking spray on the inside of your doors to prevent them from freezing at night. The cooking spray keeps the water that runs in the cracks of your door and the rubber parts from freezing overnight.
Ice on your windshield not melting fast enough? No one wants to stand outside to scrape their windshields, so use this cheap and easy DIY de-icer. Mix three parts white vinegar with one part water into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your windshield before it gets cold and snowy outside to stop the ice from forming.

Here’s What Parents Should Pack in a Winter Emergency Car Kit

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Winter may only last for a few months, but the cold weather can make traveling with your kids a little tricky. Whether you are just running errands or you have some travel planned with your family, it’s a smart idea to always be prepared. So beyond just the basics that you have ready for your kids-like snacks, small toys, and a fully stocked diaper bag-you may want to consider creating an emergency kit that will stay in your car all winter. These kits are easy to make, are inexpensive to put together, and can be stored very easily in your car. If you ever need any of the items when you are traveling with your kids, you will be glad you took the time to put this kit together. Just grab a small plastic box with a lid and stock up on these items to make your own DIY Emergency Car Kit.
The basics:
• A First Aid Kit with lots of band aids and antibiotic cream
• Hand Sanitizer
• Blankets, gloves, and hats- for you and your kids
• Travel Wipes and diapers (add a few and be sure to refill when you have used any of your supply)
• Change of clothes for you and your kids including warm socks (again, remember to change out sizes and refresh if you use any of the clothes)
• Roll of dog poo bags (you will find a million uses for these-if you need to wrap them around your shoes for make-shift boots, dirty diapers, or wet or dirty shoes, or for the times you need to do a quick clean up)
• Tissues