Mama's Snack Drawer

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

I am not quite ready to talk about it but I have to go back to work soon.

I'm doing my best not to cry about it but that may be inevitable. 

I deal with anxious or new to me situations by planning, thinking through what's going to happen and feeling as prepared as I can.

One area that requires planning is my snack drawer.

You would think I am kidding but I am not.

I eat approximately 97 times a day.  I seem to always be starving + pumping/nursing means I need to have ample snacks around me at all moments.  I often have a mid morning and mid afternoon snack amongst breakfast and lunch.  I get panicky and hangry if I don't have snacks around.  Just ask Mister, he witnesses it all too often.   

Last weekend Little Mister's grandma was in town and she let me sneak away to Target to pick up a few things.  (She didn't mind staying home to snuggle :) ).  I had been thinking about how I needed to stock up on some snacks that would keep me full and focused while readjusting back into the work place.

I was wandering down the snack aisle looking at options.

I spotted these Special K Blueberry Almond Quinoa Protein Bites.

Jackpot!  A snack filled with protein to keep me full and focused?
Yes please!  These are are also incredibly attractive to me because they are perfectly portable to pop a few in my mouth as I am running to a meeting.

I have always been a Special K fan, I have a bowl of Special K Chocolatey Delight every single night, so I know these will be perfect for my snack drawer at work.

The more I looked the more I found.  The Special K Cashew Pretzel Protein Bars were right next to the bites so I snagged a box of those as well.  I already broke into my stash and tried these out.  They are a great mix of chewy with a touch of crunch.  Plus with 8g of protein they are helping me get through the days when I forget to each lunch until 3pm.  Looks like I will have to head back to Target to stock back up before I head back to work.  Darn ;)

I also picked up a bag of Special K Sea Salt Crackers.  Because as much as I love a good protein filled snack, sometimes you need some salty and crunchy to get you through to the next meal.  

Now we were on our way to a well stocked snack drawer.

I would consider myself a champion snack drawer stocker.

I pride myself on my snack drawer building skills and here is how I do it:

1.  Pick up the goods: It is important to start the week on the right foot and not need to resort to the vending machine come 10am Monday morning.

I am generally at Target every week so it is easy for me to pick up my weekly snack needs while I'm there.  I add snacks to my list and check Cartwheel for any good deals they have that week.  Luckily Cartwheel has a Special K deal running right now, double win!  Click below to add it to your Cartwheel app!

2.  Have a variety: Part of my snacking repertoire involves having a variety of items to snack on.  I love snacking and I want to be excited about it so for that to happen, I keep it interesting with a lot of different elements.  Along with the Special K Nourish Protein Bars and Bites I like to make sure I have a jar of peanut or almond butter in my drawer as well.  Don't tell me you've never just stuck a knife in a peanut butter drawer for a quick pick me up?!  I think I went through an entire jar when I was pregnant...

3.  Add in some fresh:  To make sure I have a well rounded snack drawer I always make sure I have a few fresh elements to grab when I run to a meeting or a walk around the block.  My go to items are mostly apples and carrots.  

Both do not necessarily have to be refrigerated and will keep for a few days.  Plus apples and peanut butter are one of my favorite snacks!  I also like to bring in grapes, berries, nuts and humus to dip carrots in.  

So whether you are heading back to work, working on keeping up your New Year's resolutions or just like a good snack during your day, I highly suggest picking up some Special K Nourish Protein Bars or Bites to add to your snack drawer.  You won't regret it!  

Check out more great snacking options here to build the perfect snack drawer or snack basket for the car!

Cleaning Up the Holiday Mess

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

I am, by nature, a VERY messy cook.  I somehow manage to get every single bowl, measuring cup, 74 knives and utensil we have out and dirty whenever I am cooking anything.  It drives Mister nuts but I am not really sure it is changing anytime soon.  Plus he gets yummy meals and treats out of it so its a win for him!

Ironically, I HATE a sink full of dishes.  It is one of the things in life that gives me severe anxiety.  I can basically do nothing until my sink is clear of dishes.  A clear and clean sink really makes my heart pitter patter.

It is my tendency to throw whatever will go, into the dishwasher.  However there are times when this just isn't an option. Maybe the dishwasher is already running or you're working with nonstick pots and pans that can't go in there or maybe you are in the midst of a cooking spree and there isn't time for the dishwasher.

This seems to always be the case during holiday cooking and baking.  It is the time I seem to be using the most utensils and bowls while also needing them clean immediately for the next dish I am whipping up.

This sure was the case when my mom and I were cooking our Christmas brunch feast.  Thankfully my mama was here to help clean up behind me when I was throwing flour and butter everywhere making biscuits.  Mamas are the best ;)

I also had another helpful hand in the kitchen to help me clean up.

On one of my million trips to Kroger for ingredients to prepare for Christmas brunch I spotted these Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloth and snatched a couple up.

 I already knew that we would be making a mess with all the extra cooking we were doing and need a little extra help cleaning up.  It seems like holiday feasts manage to create the biggest messes. Or is that just me?
  The Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloth was a true lifesaver for my messiness!  Mama and I both gave them double thumbs up for saving the kitchen and cleaning up our holiday messes.

Along with keeping our dishes and sink area clean, it is imperative that all areas and surfaces of our kitchen are 100% clean and sanitary at all times.  Little Mister's immune system is not quite what other babies is and we are constantly on a mission to keep things very clean and sanitary in order to keep him healthy.  We are always washing up bottles and bottling up milk and the surfaces and items we work with have to be in tip top cleanliness at all times.  Whether we are in the midst of a holiday cooking/baking spree or not.  

To keep our kitchen, dishes and surfaces as clean as possible I have religiously adopted a few easy steps:

1.  Throw it all in the sink.  I know I know I said I HATE dishes in the sink but the first step for me is to corral everything that needs washed together.  Nothing is more frustrating than thinking you're done washing, empty out your soapy water to find 2 more bowls sitting out.

2.  Use a dish soap you trust.  I love using Method dish soap because I feel it works very well, its not full of a bunch of junk and the bottle is cute :)

3.  Use a dish cloth that really gets the grime off.  For me, that's Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloth.  These dish cloths have the power of a high quality dish cloth combined with Scotch-Brite® scrubbing dots. Win win.

4.  Wash and dry.  Thankfully the Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloths come in packs of 2 so you can use one cloth to easily wash away the grime and stuck on messes and then use the other to dry so your dishes are ready for when you need them next.

These steps in combination with cleaning up during and after cooking, means we are doing a lot of dishes and wiping our counters down frequently.  The scrubbing dots on one side really allow me to scrub dishes clean in the sink and also clean the counters all in one.  And if they could get any better, they are also fully washable and reusable.  Those are the things in life that I need to make my day easier! 

The Scotch-Brite® Scrubbing Dish Cloth really fits the bill for this and I am so glad I picked them up Kroger.  Lucky for you, you can pick them up too and utilize the In-Store Clip Strip Offer for $1.50 off 2-pack promo starting in January!  

To learn more about these amazing dish cloths, check them out here! You can also check out on Facebook and Twitter. 

Snacking on the Go

Now that Little Mister is here and home life has clearly taken quite the adjustment.  Thankfully that adjustment is super cute so it makes it all worth it.
Lately I have been so focused on what time it is, when Little Mister ate last, when he is due to eat again, when we need to leave to be at the doctor and the list goes on.  What does not usually factor into that list is when I have eaten.  Usually it is not recently and by the time I realize it I am 1. starving or 2. we need to leave the house and I don't have time to eat or 3.  Little Mister needs to eat and that takes all of my hands and attention. 

Over the weekend I managed to sneak to Kroger (by myself!) and besides weekly grocery needs, I was in search of easy snacks/quick meals that I could grab on the go.  (Even if that 'on the go' was between the kitchen and the nursery because I am always leaving something I need in the room I'm not in.)
While perusing Kroger I stumbled upon ProNourishTM and knew it was the answer to my hunger prayers.

 It checked all the boxes 1. quick 2. yummy 3.  easy to grab 4. perfect for my sensitive stomach

A major requirement for snacks and meals for me (even now so more than ever) is something that isn't going to upset my stomach.  I've talked before about my sugar allergy and stomach issues and keeping those at bay is a full time job.  I certainly do not have time to be down and out because I ate or drank the wrong thing.

 ProNourishTM has 15g of protein, 25 vitamins and minerals, no gluten and no high fructose corn syrup and no sugar alcohols...to name just a few of its benefits!
ProNourishTM is also the perfect option for anyone eating a low FODMAP diet.  

And lucky for you there's a $2 off coupon here to pick up ProNourishTM for yourself.  

I would choose the French Vanilla flavor if I were you!

Planning for Better Beginnings

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

Anyone that knows me knows that by nature, I am a planner.  Heck it's what I do for my day job so you could say it is ingrained in me.

I plan a lot of things from meals to outfits to arrangements and now all things baby.

While it may be early I am already trying to think through and planning feeding our baby when I am not available (ie catching some zzz's, showering, Targeting, etc.).  

Mister is more than willing to help do whatever he can (he's the best) but obviously he can't always feed Little Mister the way I can.   But we are hoping that I am able to pump enough so that he can feed him when I can't.  And you know there is always formula and he can definitely assist with that as well. 

In order for Mister (or anyone else) to properly feed Little Mister we need to have efficient and easy to use bottles that suit his needs the best.

We all know that Target is the go to for everything in life so it is no wonder it is the place for all things baby and baby registry for me.   While thinking ahead/planning/scoping out the bottle section of the baby aisles, I spotted Playtex Baby™ VentAire® bottles.  

 First and foremost it caught my mama's eye that these bottles have an anti colic vent bottom.  This bottom keeps the air at the back of the bottle so that no air is mixing with the milk and adding extra bubbles to Little Mister's belly.  Happy belly = happy baby and happy mama.

If anti colic wasn't enough, the semi upright feeding position of the bottle aides in lessening ear infections as well.  

Because we will be switching back and forth between nursing and bottle feeding,
The Most Like Mom® NaturaLatch® Nipple mimics the breast and encourages an easy transition between the two. 

 Along with using bottles that help Mister feed our little one with ease, I also need to think through where we will be keeping our bottles and feeding paraphernalia.   So I've been told that when a baby wants to eat, he wants to eat ;)

 I want to make sure that Mister, friends and family to the bottles and accessories quickly and efficiently is a top priority.  While redesigning our kitchen it was in the back of my mind that I needed to keep some open drawer space for baby related things.  Thankfully we have a big ol drawer in the island that is just asking to hold baby bottles.  

 All I have to do is say if you are standing between the stove and the island, simply open the bottom left drawer and snag a bottle.  Then all you need to do is turn to your left, take half a step and you'll be at the sink and able to add water, if necessary.  

 Or turn to your right and take a step and grab milk out of the fridge or freezer.  

Easy peasy! 

Thankfully for all you mamas, mamas to be and friends/family attending upcoming bridal showers, Target is offering a fabulous Cartwheel deal on Playtex bottles now through 9/3.  I use Cartwheel for every single item I can and these are no exception.

 Any tips from fellow mamas on how to make this process go as smooth as possible?

Working with the Wardrobe

I knew eventually getting dressed with a bump would become difficult so I've had my eye out for cute, stylish items that I could make work.

I have eyed Tobi's clothes for awhile now but didn't think that they would work for me at this time in life.

Boy was I wrong! 

Turns out they have many, adorable options for before, during and after pregnancy and non pregnancy wear! 

One of my favorites is this dress and its dual purpose.  So far I have been loving it as an easy, breezy pool coverup but it works as a casual weekend dress as well!  If I can run from Target to the pool in the same outfit I am a happy camper.

While weekends are the easiest, getting dressed for work is a little trickier.  This blouse fits the bill! It is dressy, pretty and has lots of room for growing!

True story my jeans are being held together with a rubber band in these photos. #makinitwork

This adorable dress is great for a date night out with Mister.  I have had a love affair with navy lately and was immediately drawn to this dress.  It looks adorable with a bright necklace and wedges and you are ready to hit the town!

And if those weren't enough cute items Tobi also has unique tops in all shapes and sizes, sandals that are perfect for summer and maxi skirts with a little bit of edge, perfect for a fun summer wedding.  For work these blazers are great (LOVE the bright pink), wrap dresses with a little extra room and who doesn't always need new sunglasses?

 

And don't forget, new customers get 50% their first order! Hop to it!

Grandma's = Treats

Floyd is well aware that when he goes to his Grandmas's house that he's going to get spoiled.  

If you thought he was spoiled at our house, you should see the special relationship him and Grandma have.  They are best buds.

One of Floyd's favorite things about Grandma's house (especially in the summer when he gets to vacation there when mama and papa are out of town) is that she feeds him lots and lots of Pup-Peronis. 

He can look at her and she gives him a Pup-Peroni.

He can look at her again 3 seconds later and she gives him a Pup-Peroni. 

You could say he has the system mastered.  

I think it's a combination of these faces, he knows how to work those hound dog eyes.

So when a magical box of Pup-Peroni swag showed up on our doorstep, Floyd requested it was immediately taken to Grandma's house so that her supply would be fully stocked for his next weekend trip.

The other thing Floyd really loves about summertime and Grandma's house is that she lives on a golf course! ALL the sniffing possibilities you could EVER imagine for this hound dog. 

We are convinced he could sniff for hours out there.

As soon as we walk in the door and he gets his first round of treats, he INSISTS on bee lining it to the course.

 'I will sit for one photo and then we are going to the golf course!!'

'This is NOT going to the golf course.  You can see that it is over there and we are here...'

'I am really over this. You promised the golf course THEN I get the treats.'

Floyd knows that as soon as he comes back in from sniffin, he gets treats from Grandma.  It's really a win win for him all around. 

And lucky for all of Floyd's friends, Pup-Peroni is offering you guys to take the Beef Up Your Summer quiz to tell Pup-Peroni about activities you & your best dog enjoy doing together during the summer.  Those who complete the quiz will be entered to win a curated box filled with up to $300 worth of toys & treats, including a one-year supply of Pup-Peroni dog treats, to help the owner & dog Beef Up Summer together.  How awesome is that?!

Natural Balance Delectable Delights : Floyd's Verdict

 As much as Floyd generally LOVES to eat, there are days that he wants nothing to do with his food.
I would say about once a week he skips breakfast and doesn't eat anything until after his evening walk.  On the flip side, some days he has no interest in dinner.
I'm not sure how or why he does it but as a mama, I'm of the opinion people (and pets!) need to eat!

I do wonder sometimes if he's grown tired of his food or if I simply did not put enough coconut oil on it that time.
OR if he's been at Grandma's recently and has been spoiled with some extras on his bowls of food, he tends to hold out on us...

While perusing PetSmart recently, thinking of his issue with not always wanting to eat, I came across Natural Balance Delectable Delights.  I knew within .5 seconds of spotting these that Floyd would be in heaven if I brought some home.
Moreover, I was happy upon spotting these because after reading the label I knew these were made with wholesome, grain free ingredients.  That makes for one happy mama!
So brought them home I did. Duh!
I choose Fish n Chips and Duck-en itas for my favorite basset hound.

When it's nice out or on the weekends, Floyd prefers to have his breakfast on the porch.  You may think I am joking but he will wait on the porch for me to bring his food out.  The man knows what he wants!
So last weekend that is just what we did.  We had breakfast on the porch.  With a little extra something.

He did not know what surprise was in for him.

But boy was he glad when he figured it out!

I had a strong feeling Floyd would love the Delectable Delights but I didn't know quite how much he would love them.
When I say he devoured them, he straight inhaled his breakfast.

  He then continued to lick his bowl over and over again.  Yes, his ears are ALWAYS in his food and water bowl.
Then he continue to walk back inside and stare at me with a look in his eyes that said, 'yes mama, I would rike some more of dat prease'.

So the verdict on these yummy new delights was a resounding two paws up from this house!
He wanted to me tell all of you doggie mamas out there that you should probably head to PetSmart and pick up Natural Balance Delectable Delights for your furbabies....

Shhhh don't tell him but I have a few more for next time he isn't interested in his meal. 

Airing Our Dirty Laundry

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

I'll just put this out there.

We are sort of a messy family.

Between Floyd, gym clothes, lots of cooking/baking and makeup our towels get dirty.  

For the longest time, I shied away from purchasing, much less using white towels.  

I have always had the impression that if a white towel gets dirty it is done for, there is no going back.  

Well, my opinion on that has greatly changed and I say embrace the white towels!

Use them all! Even you husband and Floyd!

Get them dirty!

Why the change of heart?

Well, I was perusing through Walmart the other day and came across new Clorox® Bleach Crystals™ and Clorox® Bleach Packs™.

My mom has always sworn by Clorox® Bleach and now I know why.

Why don't we just listen to our moms the first time around?  

I recently rounded up all of our white towels, white shirts and anything that was white and needed washing in our house and tossed it in the washer.  

If we are being totally honest here, the main culprit in our house is the hand towel in my bathroom.  I manage to do a good job of getting it filthy with makeup residue.  So it is always the first thing in the washer.

Next in the washer it is necessary to toss Clorox® Bleach Crystals™ and call it a day!

One reason I have often strayed away from liquid bleach is because I know, inevitably, I will spill it on myself.  The Clorox® Bleach Crystals™ did not give me that fear and the Clorox® Bleach Packs™ can be just tossed in the washer.  How easy is that? So much easier to use, without the mess!

Even when I was transferring everything to the dryer I could tell the towels were whiter. Success!

One dryer cycle later and out came beautifully white and fluffy towels.  

and remember my sad makeup towel?

Bright as a white, fluffy cloud in the sky!

I am not sure how I've lived without Clorox® Bleach Crystals™  this long but I am so glad they are the newest addition to my laundry room.  All while having the confidence that the Clorox® Bleach Crystals™  are the same great Clorox® Bleach power that my mom has always trusted.

The one thing better than fresh towels out of the dryer is a big ol’ pile of fresh white towels.

No laundry day would be complete without my trusty assistant.

So helpful...

To learn more about these great new products check Clorox out on Twitter and Facebook!

GNO and Destinations: Dailys {Giveaway!}

With the 4th of July (literally) right around the corner I can promise you a couple of things to be true.

1.  It's going to be hot
2. You are going to want to be drinking a cold, refreshing, delicious beverage.

Am I right?!

Well, lucky for you I have just the thing for you to be sipping on!

Enter Destination:Dailys frozen pouches!
These frozen pouches are perfect little portions of yumminess and summer fun!
Plus the alcohol is already in them so you literally don't have to do a thing!
How easy is that?

(can you spot the basset?)

I recently had a few girlfriends over to try out these new drinks.
The consensus was that they were a hit!

I will warn you that they are a bit sugary but delicious, nonetheless.

Ours end up more a slushy (than liquid) consistency so we poured them up into wine glasses and ate them with a spoon.

Worked for me!

At first bite/sip, they are definitely stronger than you would expect (my kind of drink) and full of flavor.  

We tried the Light Margarita, Strawberry Daiquiri, Pomogranate Acai Margarita and the Blue Hawaiian.

I'd say all of them were a hit!

I think they would also be delicious with a splash of tonic or Sprite to add some fizz to them and cut the sugar.
 These are the perfect portion and drink for the 4th or for just laying by the pool.
But the 4th is coming up quickly so if I were you, I'd grab some for then. 

And what's a party if Floyd isn't around?

I promise you we consumed these responsibly (as should you) and Floyd did not partake.

Although it looks like he did.

And now it's your chance to get your hands on this deliciousness!
One lucky lady (or man) will win: $10 gift card to Walmart, branded beach ball, beach towel, tumbler, sunglasses and a tropical beach bag!
And in the mean time, check out all of Daily's goodies by visiting their Website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages!

Contest only open to US residents 21+, sorry!

Follow the prompts below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner announced next Monday!
*I was given the products in this post in exchange for my honest review and opinion.