Menu Planning Made Easy!

There is nothing worse then looking at the clock and realizing it's almost supper and you have no idea what you're going to make. This is what I lived with for many years and when I did plan the meals out, it was the same meals every few weeks. I had little desire to cook because the food wasn't exciting to me.

I tried a couple different meal planning services out there but found I hated getting the recipe lists and grocery list and not being able to use several recipes. There were several we wouldn't eat, I didn't have time or it was impossible to adapt to be dairy free. It felt like a waste of money not being able to use what I paid for.

Well a year ago I came across a deal on Build a Menu. I figured I could try it out for a few months and see what I thought. Since it's been a year, I'm sure you've already guessed that I really like the program and I do!

So what is so great about Build a Menu?

• Well I love being able to choose from many different recipes for many different diets. We use as many gluten free and Trim Healthy Mama recipes we can and also a few that make my husband happy. Plus they rotate recipes every few weeks so you don't get a massive list of recipes.
• Recipes we love, we heart and it will be in our favorites folder and we can use it anytime.   
• There are 3 different types of plans: Classic, Done for You, and Premium. Classic is what we have. You chose from a limited amount of recipes, Done for You is what you expect. The menu is planned for you. Premium gives a the massive list of recipes from their database.
• After I've picked my menu, I get a grocery list with an estimated cost. I love this feature. If you have three recipes that you need 1/2 a bag of cheese, it will combine it so you are only buying what you need.  
• I can pick from grocery stores near me or there is an any grocery store choice. Recipes are chosen based on sales at those particular stores, saving you money.
• Part of your membership goes to support charities. Mine is set up to support Compassion International.
• Forget your list at home, don't worry just download the app! I love this and use it when I'm cooking.

So are you curious to check it out? I'd appreciate it if you clicked through my affiliate link by Clicking Here.

Dollar Shave Club Review

A few years ago I started hearing about this new subscription company called The Dollar Shave Club. I finally after hearing about it and people who have liked it, I finally signed up.

There is always an amazing deal for signing up. Right now they are running a $5.00 starter box which includes the handle, 4 blades, and a full size of their shave cream. I figured it was a great deal and worth trying out.

Here are my immediate thoughts below:

Ready to try it out ? Click Shop Here and get your first box today.

My Weight Loss Journey

I've tried before to lose weight with some success. I've counted calories and tried diet food and like most diets, it just didn't work. I'd lose a few pounds and then nothing. It was work and I was eating almost nothing. I was tired and miserable and HUNGRY!

I've started a new journey and whether I lose 2 pounds or 20, I feel good about what I am doing. A fellow mom I've gotten to know a bit over the past few years through our daughters, posted on Facebook one day about her struggle with weight. For some reason I had completely forgot that she is a trainer and the fact that she's struggled since her last baby has finally given me hope. I'm not alone in this.

I've spent most of my adult years fearing being overweight. One side of my family has many overweight aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and my mom. I've seen them all struggle, especially my mom, and I never wanted to have to deal with the ups and downs she has. I don't yo-yo as much as some but the fear of gaining too much weight brings me to a fear of eating. Where some eat when stressed, I don't and that's not any healthier.

I know it's going to be a lifelong struggle, as lifestyle changes aren't very easy. I just need to take things one day at a time and make small changes. So what kind of changes am I going to make?

1. My goal is to exercise 5 days a week
2. Use the group I'm in to feel encouraged and not alone
3. Make better choices when we eat out even if it costs more (we are a dollar menu type family)
4. Skip the chips at potlucks and grab a bunch of veggies and fruit
5. Replace as much white processed food items with whole grains and sprouted bread
6. Meal plan every meal and figure out when best to eat which food groups
7. When I'm not feeling hungry but haven't eaten much, give myself a Shakeology

These are all a work in progress but I feel like even these small changes are worth making. I may eat more calories then I should from time to time but if at home I can maintain or lose weight by making healthy choices, I am victorious.

So where did I start? One year ago I was 160 lbs. At 5 feet tall, that puts me in the severely overweight category. Where do I want to be? If I can get to 120, eat healthy, and exercise regularly, I'll be at a place where I can maintain. Where am I now? I can't weigh myself daily or I get obsessed, but about 3 weeks ago I was at 148. The most exciting thing wasn't the two pounds I lost in a month but instead the inches. I lost 8.5 inches! Half was in my waist and hips. It may be slow but as long as it's going somewhere positive, I'm all in. 

I have to do this for me and my family, not the fear that's been chasing me my entire adult life.

First Time Mommy vs. The Seasoned Mommy

I remember spending time with my sister and sister-in-law shortly after my nephews, were born and watching how they dealt with being first time moms. I found it fascinating to watch how they dealt with being a mom and what that meant compared to me who was on my third baby. I had come a long way from where I had started.

First time mommies and seasoned mommies do things differently and all mommies will end up in each category at some point. I look back and laugh at how I was when I had my first daughter. Boy has my parenting changed.
 

• THE DIAPER BAG: 
• The first time mommy carries around the giant diaper bag with everything possible stuffed into it and overflowing. 
• The seasoned mom carries a small backpack or a large purse with a diaper and wipes. She keeps a few extra diapers in the car along with a change of clothes and a blanket.

• THE CRY: 
• Once your child starts moving and discovering they also start testing mom. The first time mom rushes to see whats wrong whenever they start crying. 
• The seasoned mommy knows that there is a whimpery cry to see if they can get mom to come running and there is a wail that means something is wrong.

• NAP TIME AND BEDTIME: 
• The first time mom reads all the books and tries to follow the advice of half a dozen experts trying to find the best way to get them to sleep. 
• The seasoned mom knows that you just need a routine that works for you and that you will probably have either a good napper or a good night time sleeper. If you have both
  you are in the minority. 

• GETTING THINGS DONE: 
• The first time mom wonders how anyone with more than one kid can get anything done. 
• The seasoned mom wonders why someone with one kid can never get anything done.

• The Paci and the Floor
• The first time mom will immediately wash the paci that has dropped on the floor. If no sink is available they use paci wipes or butt wipes.
• The seasoned mom will only "wash" the paci if it fell on a floor in a public place. By "wash" I mean brushing off any obvious dirt and then sticking it in your to "sanatize" it.

We moms have all gone through that first stage of being a new parent. It's hard and you always think you're messing things up. The truth is we are just tired and often unsure of what "right" is. Every parent has to make choices and rarely is there a clear right and wrong.

We all handle things differently because of our stage of parenting and that makes our experiences unique. I've loved having those experienced moms mentor me and loved being able to listen help those new mommies as well. Moms need to be around other moms and support not always the "right" answer. So if you have a diaper bag overflowing, embrace it. It's okay. Be the mom you are in the stage you are.

Stitch Fix Take 5

So here is my 5th Fix. Overall it was good. If I love at lease one item I figure it is worth it. I have averaged 3 items so far.

Alysia Maxi Dress $48. Good price but not a good fit- Sent back.

Daryl Printed Capri Jean $68. Not a good fit and I didn't really like the pattern- Sent back.

Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank $38. When I pulled it out I was confused and then excited. I have a 3/4 tea that is the exact same and is one of may favorite shirts. Of course I had to keep this one.

Gena Cut Out Detail Top $48. Really liked this top. Simple and fun I can wear out and about or dress up- keep.

Amari Printed Dress $78. I would never have picked this print but it works for my body type and the dress fits perfectly. Plus I love this style of dress- Keep.

So maybe your wondering what Stitch Fix is?

How it works:

1. Fill out a style profile. Tell them what you like or don't like, body type, what you are looking for, and if you have Pinterest you can link up a board of what you like for your stylist to view.
2. Schedule a Fix. (It arrives about a month out)
3. $20 stylist fee is charged, BUT you get that as a credit when you pay for your clothes. 
4. In about a month you will receive a package of 5 items picked especially for you. You have three days to try them on and think about what you are going to keep.
5. Then you log on and check out. You will have a chance to tell your stylist what you liked/didn't like about each item.
6. Send back anything you don't want to keep in a return envelop postage paid. 

If you are interested, please consider signing up through my referral link HERE. I receive a $25 credit when someone gets their first fix. It helps me, a stay at home mom, build a wardrobe that consists of more then sweats.

Stitch Fix Take 4

This was the best fix so far. I kept all the items and got the 25% discount which was $72.00. I love getting the box in the mail, trying the clothes on, taking time to think through what I want to keep, and asking my husband's advice before making decisions. The total for my 5 items after the $20 styling fee credit was $216.00.


So here are my 5 items:

Love this bag, especially for vacation. It is reversible too. $68

This was ok, but doesn't fit great. I'm sure if a lose a few pounds it will fit fine, but at $44.00 it was cheaper to buy it and get the 25% discount.

Love this dress! It works well with my body type. It has a higher waist and comes to just above the knees. This was a little expense at $74 but I will spend money on items I love and fit well.

This was so nice for our vacation to Arizona. It was the most expensive item at $78 but the quality of the fabric on the dress is much better then anything else I have hanging in my closet.

I love this top. It is so light and airy making it perfect for running errands. This is a typical low end price for a shirt at $44.00

How it works:

1. Fill out a style profile. Tell them what you like or don't like, body type, what you are looking for, and if you have Pinterest you can link up a board of what you like for your stylist to view.
2. Schedule a Fix. (It arrives about a month out)
3. $20 stylist fee is charged, BUT you get that as a credit when you pay for your clothes. 
4. In about a month you will receive a package of 5 items picked especially for you. You have three days to try them on and think about what you are going to keep.
5. Then you log on and check out. You will have a chance to tell your stylist what you liked/didn't like about each item.
6. Send back anything you don't want to keep in a return envelop postage paid.  

If you are interested, please consider signing up through my referral link HERE.

Stitch Fix Take 3

 My third Stitch Fix was great. The only kept two items but these items I LOVE. The t-shirt fits great, I love the design, and it is awesome for running errands. The cropped jeans are sooooooooo comfortable. They are the best pair of jeans I've ever owned. My stylist suggested wearing them with short boots and so I used my birthday money to buy some cute boots.

$68

$88

How Stitch Fix works:

1. Fill out a style profile. Tell them what you like or don't like, body type, what you are looking for, and if you have Pinterest you can link up a board of what you like for your stylist to view.
2. Schedule a Fix. (It arrives about a month out)
3. $20 stylist fee is charged, BUT you get that as a credit when you pay for your clothes. 
4. In about a month you will receive a package of 5 items picked especially for you. You have three days to try them on and think about what you are going to keep.
5. Then you log on and check out. You will have a chance to tell your stylist what you liked/didn't like about each item.
6. Send back anything you don't want to keep in a return envelop postage paid.  

I am slowly building a wardrobe that fits me and is durable. Quality is more important the quantity for me. I'd rather get a few items that are going to last a long time, wash well, and be my go to items when I don't know what to wear. I'm finally starting to feel like it's ok to spend money on me. After almost 6 years of wearing mostly sweats, I should be able to spoil myself some. Of course this is only because we pay cash for our items. 

If you are interested in signing up please consider signing up through my referral link HERE.

Stitch Fix Take 2

 Just before Thanksgiving I received my second Stitch Fix box. (I really need to take a picture of the box next time before I open it and as I'm opening it.) Oh the anticipation of opening the box and finding out what treasures might be inside. I was not disappointed.

What is Stich Fix and How does it Work?

The items were all great. In the end I ended up only keeping two items. With Christmas just around the corner, I needed to make sure I wasn't over spending. I wanted to buy a nice gift for the husband and it takes me a longggggg time to save a little since I don't work outside the home. 

The first item I decided to keep was this beautiful necklace. My five year old thought it was so beautiful that I had to keep it. This was $26.

The next item was something I had requested. I wanted a jean jacket or blazer that could be dressed up or down. I knew this was going to be spendy and it was at $88. 

The next item I returned. I liked these pants but at $98 I needed to love them and so did my husband. When I tried them on to show him, he said they looked like the yoga pants I wear around the house. That made my decision much easier. I liked how they fit. It had a high waist to help slim and smooth everything out. If they were half the price I would have kept them for sure.

 These two sweaters seemed really nice. I really liked the black sweater but it had a little hole in it and I'm paying too much money for holes in clothes. The other sweater was soft and had there not been a weird ridge on the arms, I might have kept this too. The sweaters were $58 and $68.

 Even though I didn't keep three items, I was still very happy with what I received. I have enjoyed trying on things from my own home and being able to take time to decide if I like the items, rather then the few minutes in the dressing room you usually get. 

If you are still thinking about trying Stitch Fix, I'd love if you sign up through my link here. Since we are a one income family, money is tight and I pay for my own clothes through what little extra money I am able to bring in. With each referral I get a $25 credit once the first Fix is placed. Most of my wardrobe still consists of Old Navy sale items that look awful. I really would love to have a few more classic items of quality in my closet.

Stitch Fix

Last month I signed up for Stitch Fix and last week I got my first box in the mail. Stitch Fix is a personal shopper for you. 

How it works:

1. Fill out a style profile. Tell them what you like or don't like, body type, what you are looking for, and if you have Pintrest you can link up a board of what you like for your stylist to view.
2. Schedule a Fix. (It arrives about a month out)
3. $20 stylist fee is charged, BUT you get that as a credit when you pay for your clothes. 
4. In about a month you will receive a package of 5 items picked especially for you. You have three days to try them on and think about what you are going to keep.
5. Then you log on and check out. You will have a chance to tell your stylist what you liked/didn't like about each item.
6. Send back anything you don't want to keep in a return envelop postage paid. 

 I have to say that I was thrilled with my box. I didn't keep everything because two items didn't fit well. If I had purchased all items, I would have gotten a 25% discount on my total order.

Here is what I kept:

Here is what I returned:

The items I returned because they just didn't fit right. Items are chosen from several different boutiques so finding the right size may not be a guarantee, although they will do their best.

As you will notice, they don't send five items to make an outfit but they send five individual items for you to create a wardrobe with what is already in your closet. What they do send you are stylist cards so you can get ideas on how to use your item to create an outfit. 

This is the first time I really spent money on my wardrobe. Most all my clothes were bought off the clearance rack and after a few washes, they no longer fit well. These are higher end clothes that should last awhile.

My shirts were both $48 and my scarf was $28. It may seem high if you are a clearance shopper, but if you shop JCPenny's or Herbergers these prices are pretty normal. 

If you think this is something you would like to try out please use my referral link. I get a credit for every new person who signs up through my link. I'm a stay at home mom so a little extra money for clothes will really help my family out. Check out Stitch Fix now.

Minnesota to Arizona

Vacation time!!!!!! We so needed a break from the cold cold extremely cold temperatures and constant snow we have had in Minnesota this year. We are crazy of course and drove all the way to Arizona. We left around 4:00PM on Sunday after we had an early supper.

 

 

Driving through the night makes the trip go much faster. No needing to entertain kids for hours on end.

 Monday morning we saw the sunrise in beautiful Colorado Springs. We planned to spend two days enjoying
the area so after breakfast we enjoyed a nice, warm, sunny, and beautiful morning at the Garden of the Gods.

 The afternoon was spent exploring the Cliff Dwellings, The Ghost Town Museum, and swimming at the hotel.

 The next day we spent 4 hours enjoying the Focus on the Family Visitor Center. Including lunch at Whit's End. If you ever get to Colorado Springs this is a must. There are two different play areas, one for the older kids and one for the four and under crowd. My five year old's favorite part was the three story slide she could go down by herself. Of course we couldn't leave without checking out the bookstore.

 

Our last stop in Colorado Springs was the Pioneer Museum. With our 5 year old having a strong interest in that era, thanks to The Little House series, we were able to spend time showing her things that she was really interested in. The last room was for the little ones. It had a covered wagon, tepee and train for the kiddos to play in. They had a lot of fun interacting with the tepee and toys inside.

 After Colorado we drove through the night and arrived in Arizona the next morning. The next week was filled with time at a gymnastics place, swimming in the pool, lunch at Chick-fel-A (twice!), exploring the Children's Museum, and the zoo.

Of course the best part was being able to spend time with family. The girls loved being able to spend time with their cousin, aunt, and uncle and of course my husband and I did too. 

 

We were happy to finally be heading home at the end of 9 days. We had a great time and I know the girls were really missing their cousin, but vacation can't last forever (and I don't think I could handle that).