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Favorite Inexpensive Skin Care
I have never been one to spend a ton on my skin care products. I feel like I can find some great things without spending a fortune. So, if you are anything like me, check out a few of my favorite products as of late that bring my tired mom face back to life. Have you heard of the ACURE brand? I started using the ACURE line when I was pregnant with Jack. It is a natural line of skin care that Sarah Adler of Simply Real Health recommended. I was looking for something “clean” while pregnant and ACURE checked that box at a great price point. I’ve used a…
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Orange Ground Chicken
A couple years ago, Mallory sent me this Orange Ground Chicken recipe from Frugal Nutrition. Its become a staple weeknight dinner for Ryan and I. The recipe has only a few ingredients; it takes only a few minutes to cook after getting home form work; and, most importantly, its really good! Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 pound ground chicken or turkey 2 tablespoons freshly grated or minced ginger 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon Asian spice sauce (try chili-garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or sriracha) 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 small heads fresh broccoli – about 6–7 cups florets & some stems Sesame seeds for garnish Approximately 3 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower…
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How Not to Get Sick from Your Kids
I laughed at this meme the other day because it’s just so true. As the parents of young children, we are constantly exposed to all the crap these little germ factories carry. Sick kids are miserable. You don’t know until you know. Sick kids and sick parents? Even worse. I swear the last two years of Joey’s life I caught every single thing he brought home. To make matters worse, just about every time he got sick it turned into Croup, which meant scary trips to the emergency room. Joey started preschool this year and was sick for the first 3 months of school. Poor Jack caught like 4 different…
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The New York Sour
I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that, yes, I just turned 40-years-old, but on the rare occasion that I go into a bar, most of the time I have no clue what cocktail to order. Often, I just order a GT (gin-and-tonic) not because I really like them but just because its easy. However, as soon as the bartender asks me what gin I prefer, the conversation quickly devolves… As a result, I was excited the other day when I encountered a picture of a cocktail that I had never seen or heard of before – the New York Sour. Its pretty with a red wine floater – seemed right up…
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Megan’s 40th Birthday Dinner
We celebrated Megan’s birthday at my house with all the red wine and chocolate. We started the evening with Black Raspberry Bellinis. They are cute/went with our red theme, delicious and super simple. The day of your event, put out champagne flutes and add a splash of Chambord Liqueur and a few raspberries to the bottom of each glass. Shortly before your guests arrive, add champagne and set them out so guests can grab one as they come in. I made a large appetizer spread at one end of my kitchen island. I love making cheese and dessert boards so I gave my sister this book as part of her…
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To the beauty and brains of our family on her 40th birthday…
Here are just a few things we love about you: How you work so hard to make everyone feel loved with the perfect themed gifts purchased months in advance Your tenacity and perfectionism Your willingness to step in and help with anything – especially when it comes to your three younger siblings You are a fabulous cook and aren’t afraid to tackle anything in the kitchen Your perfectly themed outfits How you are teaching your kids to be empathetic and give back to your community And last but not least: Cheers to you sister! You don’t look a day over 33 (which is my age and people always ask if…
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Hope & Henry
Do you have a favorite store or brand that is your “go to” when shopping for your kids’ special occasion clothes? I have what might be a new one for you: Hope & Henry. I have never received more compliments about my kids’ clothing than when my daughter wore this dress to a school function: Fellow moms and teachers would randomly stop me on the street for weeks afterwards to ask about this dress. It was my first purchase from Hope & Henry via Amazon and I could not have been more impressed with the quality and price point ($26.95). While I am always very hesitant to make my first…
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To Sauna or Not?
Do you Sauna? Until very recently, I had never given it much thought. Chris, on the other hand, is obsessed. Him, Ryan and my brothers love a good sauna and steam session. They are all so obsessed that Chris getting one for our garage or backyard is a normal topic of conversation (not happening). This last Sunday following Valentines Day, my in-laws came over to watch the kids and we went to the gym and out to lunch. This was the first time in forever we have gone on a “day date” and it was glorious; I highly recommend it. We worked out and then went our separate ways to…
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Where I like to buy wine!
On Saturday, I was in Metropolitan Market (if I’m being truthful, there are not many Saturdays when I’m not in Metropolitan Market) and noticed the store was advertising its own Red Table Wine Release No. 36 Vintage 2017. For just $10/bottle, it was worth a try. Mallory, Chris, Ryan and I decided Sunday happy hour was a good time to try the bottle (why let it age?). You can also get more info about napa valley vineyards here.Some of the tasting notes are. Mallory: Nice, easy and drinkable. Enjoyable for $10. *Coming from a less sophisticated palate. 😊 Ryan: Daily drinker. Mallory: Daily 4pm mom wine. Goes down easy, but…
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Smoked Almond Kale Bowls
We both love to cook and make dinner for our families just about every night of the work week. We are constantly trying new things and sharing recipes, and when we find a good one, it sticks and everyone in our family starts making it. One of our most loved and most made recipes are Smoked Almond Kale Bowls. These bowls are super simple, can be prepped ahead of time, help us get our greens in, and most importantly, they are delicious. Directions: For the marinated kale: Wash, dry and stem 1 large bunch of lacinato kale, then cut the leaves into thing strips and put into large ziploc or…
