tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24810983594128730552024-03-13T08:58:56.131-04:00a traveling WifeJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-42102854275020157702017-10-10T00:01:00.000-04:002017-10-10T11:36:30.177-04:00The Best Ever Grill Rub<i>We grill year round in my house and there's one grill rub that I keep reaching for, time and time again. Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to store in your spice cabinet because you will be using it on EVERYTHING. </i><br />
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I grew up in the midwest in a house where we grilled year round. In the midwest, you experience all four seasons and that never stopped us once. Grilling commenced in the rain or in the snow or on beautiful sunny days.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> and I still follow this tradition. Mostly because it's easy to throw an entire meal on the grill AND because it makes cleanup a breeze - the sink doesn't pile up with tons of pots and pans.</div>
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<a href="http://ctt.ec/UwCKO" target="_blank">Click to tweet: The only grilling seasoning you will ever need!</a></blockquote>
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I've tried my fair share of rubs and marinades over the years which led me to make my own dry rub. I tend to reach for dry rubs over marinades because marinades typically add more calories that are unnecessary and because they are something that you need to plan well in advance to dinnertime.<br />
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Rubs on the other hand can just be rubbed on the meat minutes before heading out to the grill - just enough time for the grill to heat up. And this rub is perfect for all poultry and pork items! Make just enough of this rub for one meal (roughly 2 chicken breasts, 1.5 pound pork tenderloin, or a 4 pound roasting chicken) or double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to store in your spice cabinet.<br />
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<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Best Ever Grill Rub</b></span></div>
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Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Poultry Seasoning</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Herbes de Provence</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Sea Salt</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Black Pepper, freshly cracked</span>
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<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Roasted Garlic, ground</span>
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<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Red Pepper Flakes</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">**All herbs and spices are purchased from <a href="https://www.penzeys.com/" target="_blank">Penzeys</a>. We don't live near a store but they offer great deals online such as free items and free shipping.</span></li>
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<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Mix all together and rub generously on 2 chicken breasts, 1.5 pound pork tenderloin, 4 pound roasting chicken, etc.
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Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe and store in an airtight container.
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I can't think of one week over the past few years that we haven't used our grill at least once. Heck, we even used the hotel's grill when we stayed for two months waiting to close on our house when we <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2016/09/three-rooms-must-unpack-first.html" target="_blank">moved to Missouri</a>. And remember when I said that grilling made cleanup super easy? Now's the time to stock up on some cleaning products. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><i>Are you a fan of grilling?</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><b><i>Do you grill year round?</i></b></span></span><br />
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-48440693089740289842017-09-19T00:01:00.000-04:002017-09-26T16:06:30.646-04:00Ten Items Used Daily With 6 Month Old<i>One thing I learned from having a newborn is to not get sucked into all the products that are marketed towards infants. Trial and error is the TRUE way to find products that will work for your little one. Here are a few of our favorites in our household. </i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Also, some products were sent to me for consideration. These products are included because I honestly USE the products not because they were sent to me. </span></i><br />
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Companies spend loads of money to market their products to new parents. I've have fallen victim to many of those marketing tactics and purchased many products that just don't work. Sure, they might work for other families but they just weren't a good fit for us.<br />
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I've shared with you some <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/03/newborn-essentials-what-worked.html" target="_blank">newborn essentials</a> that were crucial to the first few weeks of LadyBug's life. I also took you along with us for a <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/06/day-in-the-life-with-3-month-old.html" target="_blank">day-in-the-life style post</a> at 3 months old. There you can find loads of other products that worked in our household for the younger days.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3lrCEePE9k/WcAI32jpKQI/AAAAAAAAKU8/ncYqx0fnCW87T6pRSZ1PJR1wy-fuunljgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ten%2BItems%2BUsed%2B%2BDaily%2BWith%2B6%2BMonth%2BOld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="650" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3lrCEePE9k/WcAI32jpKQI/AAAAAAAAKU8/ncYqx0fnCW87T6pRSZ1PJR1wy-fuunljgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ten%2BItems%2BUsed%2B%2BDaily%2BWith%2B6%2BMonth%2BOld.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now at six months, LadyBug is sitting on her own and truly exploring the world around her. Because of this, previous items she has either outgrown or is showing no interest in. For example, the <a href="http://amzn.to/2n8zqpt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rock 'n Play sleeper</a> has made its way to a friend's house for her to use with her newborn. And the <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fswaddleme-original-swaddle-3pk-mint-dots-grey-chevron-s-0-3mo%2F-%2FA-49181065" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">swaddles</a> are a thing of the past.<br />
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As for now, here are ten products that we HONESTLY use every. single. day.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YGxOscfN4A/WcACO5gwL1I/AAAAAAAAKUs/cGmZbOUne2Ei35HeYhwJ8R3b7dfI45WAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ten%2BItems%2BUsed%2BDaily%2BWith%2B6%2BMonth%2BOld.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YGxOscfN4A/WcACO5gwL1I/AAAAAAAAKUs/cGmZbOUne2Ei35HeYhwJ8R3b7dfI45WAgCLcBGAs/s640/Ten%2BItems%2BUsed%2BDaily%2BWith%2B6%2BMonth%2BOld.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://amzn.to/2wDgl3H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Banana Toothbrush</a> ($7.80)<br />
LadyBug really started showing signs of teething around 4 months. We tried many items but having the banana toothbrush around has been amazing. When we are out of the house, I can attach a <a href="http://amzn.to/2xL1I1M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pacifier clip</a> and not fear it being dropped on the floor. We haven't tried freezing it yet, but the packaging says the banana toothbrush is safe to freeze.<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spark-Create-Imagine-Stacking-Cups-Rainbow-Colors-10-pieces/55487705" target="_blank">Stacking Cups</a> ($3.46)<br />
These are by far my favorite purchase I have ever made for LadyBug. And at under $4, I couldn't be happier with how much use we can get out of these plastic cups. They can be used for stacking, naming colors, there are animals on the bottoms of the cups to practice animal sounds, they can be used in the water or in the sand, they are easy to clean... They are just the best things ever.<br />
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3. <a href="http://amzn.to/2xLzsMi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">e-cloth Chemical-free Nursery Cloth</a> ($7.99)<br />
Toys get super slobbery in our household. I love being able to quickly wipe down LadyBug's toys with a chemical-free cloth often. It gives me so much comfort that she is not sticking chemicals in her mouth right after I put the effort in to wipe them clean. Not only do I use the nursery cloth, but I use the <a href="http://amzn.to/2xtbGDF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">highchair cloth</a> daily.<br />
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4. Books (various prices)<br />
Books are a big deal in our house. Even if LadyBug is simply chewing on them rather than reading them - I'd rather have my house filled with books vs. toys. One of LadyBug's favorite books has been Mrs. Wishy-Washy by Joy Cowley. I have it memorized, as most parents do after ready one book over and over again, but it leaves an opportunity to learn animal sounds, count, and so much more.<br />
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5. <a href="http://amzn.to/2wDsSEo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wubbanub Pacifier</a> ($13.95)<br />
I followed all the 'rules' when it came to breastfeeding - waiting so many weeks before introducing a bottle or pacifier, feeding 8 or more times in a 24 hour period, feeding on demand, etc. Because of this, I believe LadyBug didn't have much interest in taking a pacifier which made some car rides miserable. Once we introduced the <a href="http://amzn.to/2ylKPHU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avent Soothie pacifiers</a>, it was something that would satisfy her instincts to suck. The only downside was that she would lose the pacifier while sleeping and that's when I bought a Wubbanub. The stuffed animal that is attached allows her to grab it much easier in the crib at night.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/CI1aA" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Essentials needed for your 6 month old</a></blockquote>
6. <a href="http://amzn.to/2xLGP32" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Munchkin Silicone Feeder</a> ($11.29)<br />
I started introducing these to LadyBug when she was 4 months old and I would fill them with breastmilk then freeze them. We would use these outside during the summer when it was super hot and I believe it helped her with the beginning stages of teething. At 5 months, I started filling them with pureed fruits and veggies and freezing them. It allowed me to introduce her to new flavors all while letting her be in control (we are following Baby Led Weaning vs. Traditional Weaning for food introductions - let me know if you want to learn more). Now we use them filled with 'P' fruit purees to help keep her regular - if you know what I mean! :)<br />
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7. <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=1265195&b=117669&m=16745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Efairhavenhealth%2Ecom%2Fmilkies%2Dmilk%2Dsaver%2Ehtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milkies Milk-Saver</a> ($29.95)<br />
This is one of those products I have used since day one. The milk-saver has allowed me to create a freezer stash that I can use in the future for LadyBug. This has also saved me countless nursing pads because I collect about 0.5-2 oz on the opposite side I am nursing on. Read more about the product in my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/03/newborn-essentials-what-worked.html" target="_blank">newborn essentials post</a>.<br />
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8. <a href="http://amzn.to/2xLpIOT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4Moms Infant Tub</a> ($59)<br />
This is another one of those products that we have been using since day one. We used it in the kitchen sink then placed it in the traditional tub when she got a little bigger. I love that the water will constantly circulate because little ones typically tend to relieve themselves when they are comfortable, or cold, or just whenever they feel like it!!<br />
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9. <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=1265195&b=117669&m=16745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Efairhavenhealth%2Ecom%2Fmilk%2Dtrays%2Ehtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milkies Milk Trays</a> ($21.95)<br />
I never used these for breastmilk because I had a hard time getting the frozen sticks out of the tray, but I love using these for homemade purees. Stick the purees into the mold, freeze, pop out and store in ziplock bags. I then would break off a quarter and place into the <a href="http://amzn.to/2xLGP32" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Munchkin silicone feeder</a> - super simple.<br />
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10. <a href="http://amzn.to/2wr0V5K" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plastic Measuring Cup Set</a> ($6.80)<br />
These are not only great toys to play with but I like to allow LadyBug to explore them in her highchair while I am cooking. It allows me to be handsfree for just a moment and it's a fun household toy that it safe for her to handle.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you tried any of these products?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What products have worked for your little ones that I didn't share?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pin.it/LZCr4v-" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-38660903884628417682017-08-01T00:01:00.000-04:002017-10-09T10:33:36.930-04:00The Most Delicious High Protein Zucchini Muffins<div>
<i>Protein packed, no added sugar, and vegan optional zucchini muffins are a treat to have with a cup of coffee or to freeze for a raining day. Or if you're like me, you make a large batch to freeze so when the thick of summer hits, the oven doesn't have to be turned on.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>T<span style="font-family: inherit;">his post contains </span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</span></i></div>
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What does carrot cake, <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2015/10/the-benefits-of-beets-beet-brownie.html" target="_blank">beet brownies</a>, and zucchini muffins all have in common? Hidden veggies! And they are delicious to say the least. But just because these baked goods have a little hidden nutritious element doesn't make them a guilt free treat. There's still plenty of sugar and they usually lack protein.<br />
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Now, you can have your cake and eat it too. I mean, now you can enjoy one, two, or three of these no-sugar added high protein zucchini muffins without hesitation.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ySUPwz0RvE/WXnLgIsDl2I/AAAAAAAAKPw/l0OX6FhIpKsLyaJOwOl7MBpdlM1ydP5SACLcBGAs/s1600/zucchini-muffins%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="no-added-sugar-high-protein-zucchini-muffins | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ySUPwz0RvE/WXnLgIsDl2I/AAAAAAAAKPw/l0OX6FhIpKsLyaJOwOl7MBpdlM1ydP5SACLcBGAs/s1600/zucchini-muffins%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25288%2529.jpg" title="no-added-sugar-high-protein-zucchini-muffins | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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While the dark chocolate chips are completely optional, and allows you to purchase both dairy-free or vegan brands, they are 100% necessary in my household. Dark chocolate is good for you anyways, right?! I truly believe it has it's own portion of the food pyramid.<br />
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Zucchini is such a summer staple and you can find it all over ever farmers market. Or if you're lucky, you'll be growing some big boys in your backyard. With all the fruits of you labor, you can make several batches of these muffins and freeze them for a raining day. Or just when it's too hot to turn on the oven.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xay_kjfAwU/WXnLyG1IOjI/AAAAAAAAKP4/NHgnIHEH1QYSxNZ_uU-ysAriQBLuZfJ9wCLcBGAs/s1600/zucchini-muffins%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="no-added-sugar-high-protein-zucchini-muffins | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xay_kjfAwU/WXnLyG1IOjI/AAAAAAAAKP4/NHgnIHEH1QYSxNZ_uU-ysAriQBLuZfJ9wCLcBGAs/s1600/zucchini-muffins%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="no-added-sugar-high-protein-zucchini-muffins | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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Eat these no-sugar added high protein zucchini muffins for breakfast to keep you fueled for hours, eat them after a workout to help your muscles recover, or just eat them for dessert. There's no wrong time of day to eat these muffins since they are naturally sweetened with extra ripe bananas.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/03b2i" target="_blank">Click to tweet: You MUST make these no added sugar high protein zucchini muffins.</a></blockquote>
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<div class="hrecipe">
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<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>No Added Sugar High Protein Zucchini Muffins</b></span></div>
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<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Yield: <span class="yield">12 muffins</span><br />
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 very ripe</span>
<span class="name">Banana (I use a frozen banana that I thawed)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">Zucchini, shredded</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Applesauce, unsweetened</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1</span>
<span class="name">Egg</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fkodiak-cakes-protein-packed-flapjack-waffle-mix-buttermilk-20oz%2F-%2FA-15332348%23lnk%3Dsametab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kodiak Power Cake Mix</a></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">*optional: 1 scoop</span>
<span class="name">Protein Powder</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">Oatmeal, blended</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Baking Soda</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/2 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Baking Powder</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">*optional: 1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Nuts, chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">*optional: 1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Dark Chocolate Chips</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray muffin tins
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix all wet ingredients together, including the zucchini, with a spoon, electric mixer or stand mixer
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix all dry ingredients together in a separate bowl
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Combine dry ingredients slowly into the wet ingredients
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir in optional items such as nuts and chocolate
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Equally portion out batter into a 12 count muffin tray
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Cool on cooling tray until you can't wait any longer
</li>
</ol>
</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqoFaFBbujg/WXnL9aOBvyI/AAAAAAAAKQA/hL9SgB2jVZUxMiwbhUiGCiMkaRoWo4_JACLcBGAs/s1600/zucchini-muffins%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="no-added-sugar-high-protein-zucchini-muffins | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqoFaFBbujg/WXnL9aOBvyI/AAAAAAAAKQA/hL9SgB2jVZUxMiwbhUiGCiMkaRoWo4_JACLcBGAs/s1600/zucchini-muffins%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" title="no-added-sugar-high-protein-zucchini-muffins | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you prefer zucchini muffins or zucchini bread?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370106232067/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b></div>
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<!-- Recipe - zucchini muffins -->Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-54471805055420177022017-06-27T00:01:00.000-04:002017-06-26T21:48:10.030-04:00DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon<i>A simple three-ingredient face mask made out of ingredients you can find in you kitchen can help clear acne, slow down aging and brighten the skin.</i><br />
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Every once in a while I enjoy pampering myself. But since <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> has joined our family, I'm happy if I can catch a solo trip to the bathroom! That doesn't stop me from making a three-ingredient face mask out of kitchen staples.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kozIEgxOGE4/VLPj7AbvBlI/AAAAAAAAGD0/-qiGfOLuEkk/s1600/one.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kozIEgxOGE4/VLPj7AbvBlI/AAAAAAAAGD0/-qiGfOLuEkk/s1600/one.jpg" title="DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I had <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> I got some gnarly acne on my face and back. Now that I am four months postpartum, I'm still dealing with the acne and I blame the huge swing of hormones that happen during and after pregnancy.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/uaPOW" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Clear acne with this simple 3-ingredient face mask made out of items found in the kitchen.</a></blockquote>
There's tons of products on the market specific for those with acne but they usually contains loads of ingredients. I'm still unsure what I can use topically that is safe while nursing. So I stick to my trusty cinnamon, honey and lemon face mask because it always does the trip to heal and soothe my skin. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzu3VrqTfWE/WVG3gwzjwLI/AAAAAAAAKM8/lA69DMUPCs8umGkNgTXUhH3KIt20slXoQCLcBGAs/s1600/diy-face-mask%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzu3VrqTfWE/WVG3gwzjwLI/AAAAAAAAKM8/lA69DMUPCs8umGkNgTXUhH3KIt20slXoQCLcBGAs/s1600/diy-face-mask%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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Here are how the ingredients work:</div>
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<b>Cinnamon</b> - can help rid skin of acne, temporarily fills in fine lines and is a gentle exfoliant</div>
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<b>Lemon</b> - can help even out hyper-pigmentation by brightening skin, antibacterial properties (no more blackheads), can help decrease or eliminate oily skin and is a good cleanser</div>
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<div>
<b>Honey </b>- naturally antibacterial (no more acne), can slow down aging with antioxidants, unclogs pores and moisturizes skin</div>
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<div>
<b>How To Use:</b> Mix roughly 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, quarter juiced lemon, and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply the mixture to a clean face with a cotton ball. Allow to sit on the face for at least 5 minutes.<br />
(You may feel a tingly or burning sensation. Both of those are a result of the lemon juice and cinnamon.) Use warm water to gently massage face then rinse clean.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfPAGIWsJKw/WVG3l2z1kGI/AAAAAAAAKNA/Y_k8iIc7OZ0N18hBCbc2IJAtW1Ojf0UAACLcBGAs/s1600/diy-face-mask%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfPAGIWsJKw/WVG3l2z1kGI/AAAAAAAAKNA/Y_k8iIc7OZ0N18hBCbc2IJAtW1Ojf0UAACLcBGAs/s1600/diy-face-mask%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="DIY Face Mask - Cinnamon, Honey, Lemon | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever made your own face masks?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How do you deal with acne?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PIN for later. </span></b></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-31876460135006897092017-06-13T00:01:00.000-04:002017-10-09T10:32:21.497-04:00Freezer Smoothie Bags<div>
<i>There is no better time to enjoy a daily smoothie than during the hottest season of the year. Fill your freezer with pre-made individual sized drop-in-the-blender smoothie bags. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This post is brought to you in partnership with <a href="https://nkdnutrition.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naked Nutrition</a>. It also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The days are getting warmer and longer (hello sunset at 9pm) and more humid. The last thing I want to do is heat up a warm meal or sit and chew on a salad. Smoothies are the perfect replacement for breakfast, lunch or dare I say, dinner! They are so versatile by using your favorite fruits, veggies, nuts, etc. Then throw in some fancy powders and you have yourself one of the healthiest drinks EVER. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHYbLGDaFYk/WT9Ah2DQpWI/AAAAAAAAKLg/AGSao-mAeX4pqiU7Ik8Mc_Pczpz3gYdtwCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHYbLGDaFYk/WT9Ah2DQpWI/AAAAAAAAKLg/AGSao-mAeX4pqiU7Ik8Mc_Pczpz3gYdtwCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25281%2529.jpg" title="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My least favorite part of making smoothies used to be the cleanup. However, I learned a little trick to clean the blender super quick. Just rinse out the blender after use, fill halfway with hot water and drop in some dish soap. Turn the blender back on and bam - your blender just got a nice little cleaning.</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ctt.ec/2N36a" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Genius - pre-made individual sized drop-in-the-blender smoothie bags!</a></span></blockquote>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another thing I dislike about making smoothies is gathering all of the ingredients. Trying to manage and entertain a <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/06/day-in-the-life-with-3-month-old.html" target="_blank">3 month old</a> can make simple things impossible and then my healthy smoothie turns into me grabbing a bag of chips or a dozen cookies. That's where pre-made individual sized drop-in-the-blender smoothie bags come into play. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aL3-6sC1isI/WT9AqUL2FhI/AAAAAAAAKLk/4uZ9xx3sKcY5nxWE0SEYCyYHBys1FqjHgCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aL3-6sC1isI/WT9AqUL2FhI/AAAAAAAAKLk/4uZ9xx3sKcY5nxWE0SEYCyYHBys1FqjHgCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25283%2529.jpg" title="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite type of smoothies are simple. I can't really be bothered with loads of ingredients to make a new flavor each day. I typically just buy whatever frozen fruit is on sale or freeze my overly ripe fruit, some type of green, and freeze almond or coconut milk in ice cube trays. This is the basis of a delicious smoothie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTzTBz-jrjs/WT9Awv9fx9I/AAAAAAAAKLo/e3DH7PbS1Uo0i09Dgdpqvh3bjxXNktP_gCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTzTBz-jrjs/WT9Awv9fx9I/AAAAAAAAKLo/e3DH7PbS1Uo0i09Dgdpqvh3bjxXNktP_gCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%252816%2529.jpg" title="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
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<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 handfuls</span>
<span class="name">frozen fruit</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">handful</span>
<span class="name">frozen kale</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 ice cubes</span>
<span class="name">frozen almond or coconut milk</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">fold top sandwich storage bags</span></li>
</ul>
<u>Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">Place all ingredients in fold top sandwich storage bag.</li>
<li class="instruction">Store multiple sandwich bags in a gallon sized freezer bag and keep in freezer until ready to use.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RWMFzqEKQY/WT9A8fNDe9I/AAAAAAAAKLw/0gTywXGqz68l5uXRCP5UD9F_Tk0QhnckQCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RWMFzqEKQY/WT9A8fNDe9I/AAAAAAAAKLw/0gTywXGqz68l5uXRCP5UD9F_Tk0QhnckQCLcB/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25289%2529.jpg" title="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>How To Make Smoothie</u></div>
<div>
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">Blend fruit, kale, frozen almond or coconut milk, and 8 ounces water in <a href="http://amzn.to/2rpuQ6X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ninja blender</a> until smooth. </li>
<li class="instruction">*Optional: pulse in 1-2 scoops <a href="https://nkdnutrition.com/products/grass-fed-whey-protein-powder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naked Whey</a>, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and a few dashes ground cinnamon. </li>
<li class="instruction">Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMuS6Xk3HC8/WT9A2i-0CtI/AAAAAAAAKLs/oZ1w1QX1o64zNQJe-sQxBSNCEybJ6EqDACEw/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMuS6Xk3HC8/WT9A2i-0CtI/AAAAAAAAKLs/oZ1w1QX1o64zNQJe-sQxBSNCEybJ6EqDACEw/s1600/smoothie-prep%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%25285%2529.jpg" title="Pre-made Individual Sized Drop-In-The-Blender Smoothie Bags | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://nkdnutrition.com/products/grass-fed-whey-protein-powder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naked Whey protein powder</a> is the only protein powder I feel comfortable using while nursing. It contains only one ingredient (grass fed whey protein) with 25 grams of protein per serving. And you will love that it's gluten free and soy free too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>*Get 10% off <a href="https://nkdnutrition.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Naked Nutrition</a> products by using the code 'JENNATL' upon checkout. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What are some of your favorite ingredients for smoothies?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever made smoothie bags before?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pin.it/Ivu1Zvt" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </span></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-20490844312474698942017-06-06T00:01:00.000-04:002017-06-22T11:53:22.385-04:00Day In The Life | with a 3 month old<i>Every day with an infant is a learning experience. Babies grow so quickly and their routine practically changes by the minute. Here is what my day typically looks like raising a 3 month old. </i><br />
--<br />
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<br />
6:45a - Wake up, wash face, pump, clean pump equipment, freeze pumped milk and let dog outside.<br />
<br />
7:30a - Wake up <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> and let her stretch. I then get her diaper changed and nurse her because she is usually gnawing away at her fists telling me just how hungry she is.<br />
<br />
8:00a - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> gets to play on the floor for a bit while I get my breakfast ready and make my coffee. Lately, I have really been enjoying english muffins with peanut butter and a side of applesauce. I'm like a 5 year-old again because I cannot get enough applesauce.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEVd62nJQIk/WRSBaR0J0iI/AAAAAAAAKKA/12r5QkFVyqc6W4BZVgWQ5GbYu9TTXpNPwCLcB/s1600/day-in-the-life%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEVd62nJQIk/WRSBaR0J0iI/AAAAAAAAKKA/12r5QkFVyqc6W4BZVgWQ5GbYu9TTXpNPwCLcB/s640/day-in-the-life%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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8:30a - We make our way back to the bedroom where I get <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug </i>all ready for a nap. If she's fussy then she just gets rocked to sleep, otherwise I read a few books to her then put her down. This is my chance to take the quickest shower of my life because sometimes she'll only lay asleep for 15-20 minutes. If she wakes before I'm done, I bring her DockATot into the bathroom and get her situated in front of the mirror. There she can watch me finish getting ready.<br />
<br />
9:30a - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> gets fed again then dressed so that we are all ready for the day. At this point, we are scrambling to get out the door to make it to story time at the library. Some days, <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> decides to fill her diaper multiple times, or the dog wants out, or I forgot to brush my teeth. Either way, someone is having a meltdown but we always survive.<br />
<br />
10:30a - Story time at the library! <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> isn't always into the songs and books, but she sure loves to stare at the other babies. It's a great excuse for me to get out of the house and mingle with other parents. <i>We are still working on the whole making friends since moving to Central Missouri last year.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
11:15a - We are back home now and the dog is ready for a walk. We take her for a stroll around the neighborhood. I then sit down with my snack (usually popcorn, pretzels, fruit, or <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/05/puppy-chow-pretzels.html" target="_blank">puppy chow</a>) and nurse <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i>. During this feeding, she'll normally eat until she falls asleep. Currently, she does not sleep well for any length if I try to transfer her into her bed or rock 'n play. I just sit on the couch with my little baby and enjoy. This is usually the time that I also get blog work done from my laptop and catch up on emails and social media.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yhAozafZIw/WTYP5XBImDI/AAAAAAAAKLA/wvBQgNc8cJAmepmwth8XA8GX11LsDI-vACLcB/s1600/Day%2BIn%2BThe%2BLife%2B%2Bwith%2Ba%2B3%2Bmonth%2Bold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yhAozafZIw/WTYP5XBImDI/AAAAAAAAKLA/wvBQgNc8cJAmepmwth8XA8GX11LsDI-vACLcB/s640/Day%2BIn%2BThe%2BLife%2B%2Bwith%2Ba%2B3%2Bmonth%2Bold.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
<br />
1:30p - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> starts to wake so I pop my lunch in the microwave and get her diaper changed. I try and eat my lunch while she nurses but it typically just turns into her watching me eat. She is absolutely fascinated with food and where is goes. I finally get her to eat and then clean up my lunch.<br />
<br />
2:30p - Play time! We will play on the floor with stuffed animals, her o-ball, practice some tummy time, play on the floor gym, or watch balloons float in the air. If we aren't in the mood for floor-time, then we'll head upstairs to the <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/04/diy-travel-themed-crate.html" target="_blank">nursery</a> and read a few books and/or sing a few nursery rhymes.<br />
<br />
3:00-3:30p - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> starts to get fussy and is ready for another nap. I walk and bounce around the house until she falls asleep. I then sit down on the couch, because she won't stay asleep if I set her down in her bed, and watch a tv show or finish more work on my laptop (I am so thankful for my laptop).<br />
<br />
4:00p - It's time to start the whole diaper change and feeding thing again! If she's still tired, she'll eat until she falls back to sleep and I'll continue on with laptop work.<br />
<br />
6:00p - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug </i>wakes, yet again. Her diaper gets changed and she gets fed. We then make our way to the kitchen to prep or get dinner together. She is usually content in her rock 'n play or I'll just wear her using my favorite wrap.<br />
<br />
7:00p - <i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> gets home and we quickly eat dinner. If we are lucky we can eat dinner together, but if <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> is extra fussy then we'll take turns eating and holding her. The kitchen then gets cleaned and I'll feed <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug </i>if she's hungry.<br />
<br />
8:00p - Bedtime routine and bath night! <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> is <i>finally</i> starting to like taking a bath. <i>Finally</i> after three months she doesn't scream the entire time. Now there's just a little fit getting her in and then a fit again once she's out getting lotioned up.<br />
<br />
8:30p - We all head upstairs as a family and read a few books and do some more tummy time. She has a few favorite books that we'll just read over and over again because they make her laugh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb_4t0OoXTg/WTYQwC3P9TI/AAAAAAAAKLE/PX4bqVSD5bkIHGaZ4GNQ-AKAcdrHK3p2gCLcB/s1600/Day%2BIn%2BThe%2BLife%2B%2Bwith%2Ba%2B3%2Bmonth%2Bold%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="650" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb_4t0OoXTg/WTYQwC3P9TI/AAAAAAAAKLE/PX4bqVSD5bkIHGaZ4GNQ-AKAcdrHK3p2gCLcB/s640/Day%2BIn%2BThe%2BLife%2B%2Bwith%2Ba%2B3%2Bmonth%2Bold%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
9:00p - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> and I head to the bedroom where she gets nursed again and then rocked until she falls asleep.<br />
<br />
9:30-9:45p - <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug </i>is asleep for the night. <i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> and I can now snuggle up on the couch with an adult beverage and relax in front of the tv.<br />
<br />
10:30p - The dog gets let out if she hasn't gone out yet and we all head to bed.<br />
--<br />
<br />
<b>Don't forget to follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atravelingwife/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I am really trying to get better at using Insta Stories so you can get a little glimpse into what is really going on with <i>a traveling Wife </i>and crew. </b>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-52541519612146733772017-05-09T00:01:00.000-04:002017-10-09T10:30:15.036-04:00Puppy Chow Pretzels<i>Salty pretzels coated in a sweet chocolatey coating with peanut butter - life really doesn't get any better.</i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</span></i><br />
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<div>
Who loves chocolate? How about peanut butter? Now who likes chocolate with peanut butter? I know I raised my hand to all three!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGcFh27F_bs/WRD30pERACI/AAAAAAAAKJE/TnWemoVycncd5zDzb08hkgUJySkDbg91ACLcB/s1600/puppy-chow-pretzels%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGcFh27F_bs/WRD30pERACI/AAAAAAAAKJE/TnWemoVycncd5zDzb08hkgUJySkDbg91ACLcB/s1600/puppy-chow-pretzels%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm excited to share with you a snack that I have been eating nonstop for the last three weeks - puppy chow pretzels. Puppy chow is traditionally crispy rice cereal squares mixed with creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate all tossed in powdered sugar. Swap out the crispy rice cereal squares with salty pretzels and you've got yourself a sweet and salty snack.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/9eoX5" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Chocolate and peanut butter and pretzels covered in powdered sugar - YES, please!</a></blockquote>
You can thank me later!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnZ-2x59bLI/WRD38nw1YgI/AAAAAAAAKJI/uH5rE0sRGME9Ahg7y6ev-Ni3adcAcwaAgCLcB/s1600/puppy-chow-pretzels%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnZ-2x59bLI/WRD38nw1YgI/AAAAAAAAKJI/uH5rE0sRGME9Ahg7y6ev-Ni3adcAcwaAgCLcB/s1600/puppy-chow-pretzels%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25283%2529.jpg" title="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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When you read through the recipe, I tried my best to include specific amounts. But I mostly eyeball the ingredients especially the powdered sugar. Have fun with the recipe and play around with all types of pretzels - square, twist, sticks, circles, etc.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Puppy Chow Pretzels [Gluten Free]</b></span></div>
<div class="fn">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">4.5 cups</span>
<span class="name">Salted Pretzels (my favorite is the squares)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Natural Peanut Butter (<a href="http://amzn.to/2q0hcIq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this is my favorite</a>)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Dark Chocolate Morsels</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 tablespoon</span>
<span class="name">Coconut Oil</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1+ cup</span>
<span class="name">Powdered Sugar</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Melt peanut butter, dark chocolate morsels, and coconut oil in a large microwave safe bowl for 60 seconds
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir mixture. If the mixture is not melted completely, microwave for 15 seconds until melted
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Gently fold in the pretzels into the chocolate peanut butter mixture
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Fold in all of the powdered sugar, adding more if pretzels still appear wet.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BxnoOMZNT4/WRD3-GqWe_I/AAAAAAAAKJM/1YcFXyARNfA9P9myPRF8rvJrBq59BBPkwCLcB/s1600/puppy-chow-pretzels%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BxnoOMZNT4/WRD3-GqWe_I/AAAAAAAAKJM/1YcFXyARNfA9P9myPRF8rvJrBq59BBPkwCLcB/s1600/puppy-chow-pretzels%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Once you make this recipe, you will likely have a mess in the kitchen. I don't know of a time that I've <span style="font-family: inherit;">used powdered sugar and it not be every where. Kitchen cleaning can be made easy - don't miss out on the following offer.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYO7MRful4c/WRD7xYpc6bI/AAAAAAAAKJc/TCpn_AkXgXsI9YmVm0Mi_pk0HTs9sqd8QCLcB/s1600/mmcd-april-post-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYO7MRful4c/WRD7xYpc6bI/AAAAAAAAKJc/TCpn_AkXgXsI9YmVm0Mi_pk0HTs9sqd8QCLcB/s1600/mmcd-april-post-2.jpg" title="Puppy Chow Pretzels \ www.atravelingwife | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To receiv<span style="font-family: inherit;">e this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20 - <a href="http://influencer-tracking.grove.co/SF14H" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sign up here</a>. <span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choose the combination of products and scents you love and receive your first box within a few days. </span></span>This offer runs <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1408256875" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><u>Tuesday, May 9, 7am PST</u></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> - to - </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1408256876" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><u>Sunday, May 14, 6pm PST</u></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1408256876" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Have you ever had puppy chow?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Check out my other <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2015/09/gluten-free-puppy-chow-recipe.html" target="_blank">gluten-free puppy chow recipe</a> made with Cheerios.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://pin.it/Xhk5S9p" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</b></span></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-51677338478388839872017-05-02T00:01:00.000-04:002017-05-02T09:33:56.685-04:00Dealing With PUPPPs Or PEP After PregnancyPUPP<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ps (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) and</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> PEP (</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">polymorphic eruption of pregnancy)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> - it was some</span>thing that I heard about during pregnancy. It's an itchy, red, bumpy rash that usually occurs during the third trimester and starts in the stretch marks of the ever-growing belly. It's not harmful to the baby and usually goes away within days or weeks after giving birth.<br />
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<br />
But what happens when you get PEP AFTER giving birth? Like weeks after giving birth?<br />
<br />
I want to share how I had PEP 5 weeks after giving birth to sweet <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i>. I want to share my symptoms and treatment plan and all the details because I thought I was going crazy and I couldn't find ANY information on the internet about postpartum PEP. I even asked all my momma friends if they experienced anything similar and only one had similar symptoms that lasted about four weeks. Yes, four weeks of intense itching is no fun at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KW3hqAJpJmM/WQfilBkaIDI/AAAAAAAAKIE/1e0m4o7SlXknJLxlQ3Sh7XS6Q99wRO2hgCLcB/s1600/Dealing%2BWith%2BPUPPPs%2BOr%2BPEP%2BAfter%2BPregnancy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dealing With PUPPPs Or PEP After Pregnancy | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KW3hqAJpJmM/WQfilBkaIDI/AAAAAAAAKIE/1e0m4o7SlXknJLxlQ3Sh7XS6Q99wRO2hgCLcB/s1600/Dealing%2BWith%2BPUPPPs%2BOr%2BPEP%2BAfter%2BPregnancy.png" title="Dealing With PUPPPs Or PEP After Pregnancy | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<br />
At about 5 weeks postpartum, I had an extreme urge to constantly itch my breasts. I thought they were dry because the weather was still cool. I slathered coconut oil on them after showers and again at night. The itching then turned to a rash and I thought I had some kind of yeast infection from breastfeeding or from dried milk in my breast pads.<br />
<br />
I wasn't at all concerned about mastitis because my lactation consultant said I would know if I had it due to the flu-like symptoms that usually occur. I also wasn't too concerned with having thrush because <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> wasn't showing any symptoms. So I made it a point to change out my breast pads often, wash my maternity bras more frequently and continued using coconut oil.<br />
<br />
After about 5 days, on a Saturday, the back of my left hand started to itch. I scratched and scratched and started to notice hives and scaling. I thought, great - now I must have eczema. <i>You guys, momma brain makes you think all sorts of crazy thoughts. </i>I started to research what can be done to help with the symptoms of eczema and I was fully prepared to cut all dairy from my diet.<br />
<br />
Upon all of my research, I discovered Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap. I looked up some places around me that carried the pine tar soap and the next day (Sunday) went out to purchase it. At this point, the itching, hives and scaliness had spread up my arms. I was so miserable scratching myself that I was seconds away from calling the postpartum floor at the hospital I delivered at. But I knew they would suggest I come in to get looked at and I was only two days away from my 6-week postpartum appointment.<br />
<br />
I waited miserably two more days in which the itching had spread from my breasts, to my arms, to my legs, and now to my hips and butt. It was torturous and even worse at night.<br />
<br />
I sat on the exam table with the nurse and my OB just staring at me, in complete awe and sympathy. My OB said, "Wow! I have never seen anything like this. I almost want to take a picture." Definitely not something I wanted to hear from my healthcare provider. She consulted with a lactation consultant on staff and Medrol Dosepak was okayed for me to take while breastfeeding. My OB then gave me a referral to see a dermatologist.<br />
<br />
Now if you've ever tried to make a dermatology appointment to a new office, it usually takes ages to get in. On March 21st, I was told the first appointment wouldn't be until May. MAY?! That was well over a month away and I was already beyond miserable.<br />
<br />
Then the receptionist found a cancellation for later that week (Thursday) that I could have. I almost for a moment didn't take the appointment because I wanted to see if the Dosepak would help. But that crazy idea left my brain rather quickly and I scheduled the appointment.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/LqecE" target="_blank">Click to tweet: What happens when PUPPPs or PEP hits hard after pregnancy?</a></blockquote>
After leaving my 6-week appointment, I headed to the pharmacy and filled my prescription for the Medrol Dosepak. I also consulted with the pha<span style="font-family: inherit;">rmacist to see if there were any OTC creams or ointments that I could use because I wasn't comfortable with taking an oral antihistamine (it can dry up milk supply). She recommended <span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2% cream. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">I began the Dosepak right away and started using the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2% cream when the itching was unbearable.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">When Thursday came around, two days after my OB appointment, the dermatologist looked at my skin thoroughly and said, "So it looks like you have postpartum PEP which is quite uncommon." She also told me that while it's uncommon, it's most </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">often</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"> seen with first time moms of multiples or boys - neither of those fit my situation. She then prescribed me a large tub of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">Triamcinolone ointment and told me to finish out the Dosepak.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">It took just over 4 weeks for the rash and itching to go away completely. The pine tar soap didn't offer much relief and neither did the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2% cream. The Medrol Dosepak helped clear up the reddest part of the rash, but I think it caused some stomach discomfort for <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i>. The </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">Triamcinolone ointment helped with the inflammation but nothing really solved the </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">extreme</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"> itching. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">For your viewing pleasure, here are a few photos of what PEP looked like for me.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-787_58DiqOs/WQfdEaJ0JPI/AAAAAAAAKH0/qLwiT806sPgTFJwrLSeykaWPXm3OxeSkwCLcB/s1600/Rash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dealing With PUPPPs Or PEP After Pregnancy | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-787_58DiqOs/WQfdEaJ0JPI/AAAAAAAAKH0/qLwiT806sPgTFJwrLSeykaWPXm3OxeSkwCLcB/s1600/Rash.png" title="Dealing With PUPPPs Or PEP After Pregnancy | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">So as you can see, PEP is miserable and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. If you are reading this because you are experiencing similar symptoms, I am sorry. Please just know that IT WILL go away. And if you are reading this nodding your head yes to everything because you too had PEP during or after pregnancy, I am sorry! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;">**This is my own personal medical story. Please seek your healthcare providers when it comes to your </span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><i>health. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.14000000059604645px;"><b><a href="http://pin.it/ynRxS3u" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</b></span></span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-7674443261742894012017-04-25T00:01:00.000-04:002017-10-09T10:29:11.845-04:00Ice Cream Cream Puff<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This<span style="font-family: inherit;"> shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#SoHoppinGood #BlueBunny</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> #Collec</span>tiveBias</span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">The weather is starting to warm up and it's a perfect time to enjoy one of my family's favorite desserts. Ice cream cream puffs are best eaten while they are still warm and topped with lots of </span><span style="background-color: white;">chocolate drizzle.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The season of ice cream has arrived. Check out more recipes <a href="http://cbi.as/7l2ey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(234, 239, 242, 0.470588);"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>--</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">In high school, I took two home economics classes. Both involved cooking but one was only desserts and the other was only entrees. Most of the meals I would recreate for my parents and there are many of those recipes that I still cook today. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/1dcXg" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Click to tweet: </span>A spring classic - ice cream cream puffs</a></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">During the desserts class, we made cream puffs. It was my first experience with creams puffs and I wasn't all that impressed. I told my Dad that we made them and he was thrilled. He grew up eating cream puffs from a place in Michigan that apparently had AMAZING cream puffs. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NH9Igepef0U/WP6HC-moaQI/AAAAAAAAKFU/dSaCmu0pAfwK5l7nnJTzOkHsa1gcs-cLACLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NH9Igepef0U/WP6HC-moaQI/AAAAAAAAKFU/dSaCmu0pAfwK5l7nnJTzOkHsa1gcs-cLACLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" title="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I made them often for my Dad and we loved filling them with all different types of ice cream and chocolate drizzle. It was fun to hear all of his childhood stories while we experimented with different flavor ice creams. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tGEG_fPOBI/WP6ICFvm28I/AAAAAAAAKFg/0EguaJ2_1YkdYJWFSsGe81L2kFXNwSe_gCLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tGEG_fPOBI/WP6ICFvm28I/AAAAAAAAKFg/0EguaJ2_1YkdYJWFSsGe81L2kFXNwSe_gCLcB/s640/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252814%2529.jpg" title="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">When I learned about the new flavors that <a href="http://cbi.as/7l2fe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Bunny®</a> came out with, I knew it was an excellent excuse to make my <i>famous</i> cream puffs. The PB 'N Cones™ seemed like a great choice to pair with the soft cream puff. Plus nothing screams warmer weather like vanilla ice cream with swirls of creamy peanut butter and chocolate dipped cone pieces!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_ZpsiIuTpg/WP6IHgoGlrI/AAAAAAAAKFk/p_kkVJGUXKMISReZDhPU71v2pFx82GRSACLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" border="0" height="558" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_ZpsiIuTpg/WP6IHgoGlrI/AAAAAAAAKFk/p_kkVJGUXKMISReZDhPU71v2pFx82GRSACLcB/s640/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I picked up a few of the other flavors to stock the fridge. It's so convenient that Blue Bunny® products are available at Walmart stores nationwide. </span></span>Don't forget about the super delicious <a href="http://cbi.as/7oedo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ice cream cakes</a> that Blue Bunny® has to offer.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family has. I can't wait for <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug </i>to be old enough to enjoy spring and summer treats!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S63Oe8KPQEw/WP6IS9VIcTI/AAAAAAAAKFo/iEsj9lNZH88ENkLeG1yQhBUu-FVWIzU4wCLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S63Oe8KPQEw/WP6IS9VIcTI/AAAAAAAAKFo/iEsj9lNZH88ENkLeG1yQhBUu-FVWIzU4wCLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2guKrJ0Wr5w/WP6IY-DB2SI/AAAAAAAAKFs/vMx2lxLEljIQA4vt-knTsvoVWOmek-mXACLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2guKrJ0Wr5w/WP6IY-DB2SI/AAAAAAAAKFs/vMx2lxLEljIQA4vt-knTsvoVWOmek-mXACLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" title="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7qj1cE9liI/WP6IojgoF9I/AAAAAAAAKFw/XBImftJL0_o8FjA99xN8zBoNNrJ3NC0IwCLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7qj1cE9liI/WP6IojgoF9I/AAAAAAAAKFw/XBImftJL0_o8FjA99xN8zBoNNrJ3NC0IwCLcB/s1600/ice-cream-cream-puff%2B%2Bwww.atravleingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" title="Ice Cream Cream Puff | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife | blue bunny® pb 'n cones™" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cream Puffs</b></span><br />
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Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Cook time: <span class="cooktime">20 minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">6 cream puffs</span><br />
<span class="yield"><br /></span>
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Water</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Butter</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Flour</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2</span>
<span class="name">Eggs</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a medium saucepan, boil water and butter then simmer.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix in flour and cook for another minute.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Remove from heat and add 1 egg at a time until smooth.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Spoon onto uncreased cookie sheet.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 20 minutes, until cream puffs are golden brown.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Allow to cool for about 15 minutes prior to slicing in half.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Serve cream puffs by slicing in half creating a top and bottom, filling with a generous scoop of ice cream, topping with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!
</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCV0X-yB2yg/WP6uUUYMzJI/AAAAAAAAKGA/lwbCrNnw9HwIW4ewZfuXtbW85Zo18wztwCLcB/s1600/Ice%2Bcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCV0X-yB2yg/WP6uUUYMzJI/AAAAAAAAKGA/lwbCrNnw9HwIW4ewZfuXtbW85Zo18wztwCLcB/s640/Ice%2Bcream.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
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<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever had a cream puff?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What kind of ice cream would you put in the cream puff?</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370111306163/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The season of ice cream has arrived. Check out more recipes <a href="http://cbi.as/7l2ey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-5061453381040077452017-04-18T00:01:00.000-04:002017-04-18T00:01:30.967-04:00DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour<i>It can be stressful and expensive to decorate your tiny human's nursery. We took a different approach and incorporated some diy crafts.</i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</span></i><br />
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When we purchased our home last August, we knew exactly what room we wanted to be the nursery. It had a huge walk-in closet that could store all the baby items that we needed, including dozens of boxes of diapers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ58rrO_jYg/WPVV7f5GbUI/AAAAAAAAKDo/sFvkQVMtU1QmtUJPbA1hSoP27lyK90yOACLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ58rrO_jYg/WPVV7f5GbUI/AAAAAAAAKDo/sFvkQVMtU1QmtUJPbA1hSoP27lyK90yOACLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25286%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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We thought about what we wanted the nursery to look like. We browsed the internet and spent far too much time on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jkroll/pins/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Then we discussed how the nursery would actually get used. The nursery is upstairs, directly above the master bedroom that's on the main floor. To get to the nursery from the master, you have to walk down a hallway through the kitchen and living room, then up the stairs, then down another long hallway. We would definitely not be able to be super responsive with a newborns needs and knew <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> would be rooming in with us for some time.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/QKAa9" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Check out @atravelingwife nursery room tour.</a></blockquote>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dG5VgmsK3k/WPVWAEIT8PI/AAAAAAAAKDs/-AZqjONcfs0ryVTemUTfZO2si0pmogkWwCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dG5VgmsK3k/WPVWAEIT8PI/AAAAAAAAKDs/-AZqjONcfs0ryVTemUTfZO2si0pmogkWwCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<br />
Knowing that we weren't going to be getting much use out of the nursery for at least the first few months, we didn't want to dedicate too much towards a specific theme. We furnished it to be functional and neutral. When <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> is old enough, we will let her choose decor that fits her personality.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo-gbpoL9oo/WPVWFfWB5ZI/AAAAAAAAKDw/fL6TUsB0QZglF7xdqC6Wuj3FOc6ey9JoACLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo-gbpoL9oo/WPVWFfWB5ZI/AAAAAAAAKDw/fL6TUsB0QZglF7xdqC6Wuj3FOc6ey9JoACLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252812%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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The nursery was previously used as a little boy's room with three beige walls and one blue wall. Knowing that we were having a girl, we didn't really want to keep the blue wall so we painted over the blue with the same beige as the other four walls. We gave the room a crib, changing table, nightstand, and a baby rocker. It's about as bare-bones as could be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZGDQ4O6dec/WPVWKhpy_fI/AAAAAAAAKD0/z5OP939D5WwKSiZi-WnomyLfeoX_PXYdgCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZGDQ4O6dec/WPVWKhpy_fI/AAAAAAAAKD0/z5OP939D5WwKSiZi-WnomyLfeoX_PXYdgCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/HbK73" target="_blank">Click to tweet: How cute is this DIY travel themed crate?!</a> </blockquote>
There was one specific item that we wanted to incorporate in the nursery - a globe. We want <b style="font-style: italic;">LadyBug </b>to have a desire and passion for travel. To go along with the globe, I made road map crates to hold items such as books, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. They were super easy to make and can be customized however you'd like. I used road maps for the states that <i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> and I had previously lived.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxU4bifnzg4/WPVr7si6nqI/AAAAAAAAKEE/UC_8JedO3ewn9cPHBuvxRG56tvXqPjiPQCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxU4bifnzg4/WPVr7si6nqI/AAAAAAAAKEE/UC_8JedO3ewn9cPHBuvxRG56tvXqPjiPQCLcB/s640/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>What You'll Need:</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
• wood crates (<a href="http://amzn.to/2oGaZk2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this set of three is a great price</a> - better than what I paid)<br />
• <a href="http://amzn.to/2oHbb4j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">acrylic sealer</a><br />
• <a href="http://amzn.to/2oj6Yku" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">craft knife</a><br />
• <a href="http://amzn.to/2oiJWua" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sponge brush</a><br />
• road maps or other paper of choice<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XllsQNxUXrU/WPVsA_x_mTI/AAAAAAAAKEI/x423j0i2CN8pzfuYtMxCWGOMlv59DQd5wCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="458" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XllsQNxUXrU/WPVsA_x_mTI/AAAAAAAAKEI/x423j0i2CN8pzfuYtMxCWGOMlv59DQd5wCLcB/s640/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>How To:</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
• Use the craft knife to cut the map paper to the size of your crate.<br />
• Dip the sponge brush into the acrylic sealer and coat the back of the map paper<br />
• Lay the map paper onto crate and firmly press removing air bubbles<br />
• Brush the top of the map paper with acrylic sealer<br />
• Allow to dry overnight<br />
• Use the craft knife to remove pieces of map paper that are too big for the crate<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2ZHSOWN3SE/WPVsFqMb3kI/AAAAAAAAKEM/av49GZXuXTYZWeBt7-bMJCvKTrS8DOsPQCLcB/s1600/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="619" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2ZHSOWN3SE/WPVsFqMb3kI/AAAAAAAAKEM/av49GZXuXTYZWeBt7-bMJCvKTrS8DOsPQCLcB/s640/nursery-tour%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" title="DIY Travel Themed Crate and Nursery Tour | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How long did your baby room in with you and your spouse?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Did you have a theme for the baby's nursery?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite nursery theme?</span></b>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-5999641582985667402017-04-04T00:01:00.000-04:002017-10-09T10:27:45.785-04:00Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free]<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trail mix cookies are filled with dried fruit and nuts making them a great snack to grab any time during the day because breastfeeding makes you a ravenous human. These cookies contain all the right ingredients to help boost your daily nutrients and milk supply. Not interested in lactation cookies? Try out the original <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/02/trail-mix-cookies-dairy-free.html" target="_blank">Trail Mix Cookies</a>. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">--</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> was born, I was told to stock my freezer with premade dinners and to stock my pantry with loads of snacks. But one thing that was not emphasized was that baby might not make an appearance by the 40th week. In fact, <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> decided to stay put until 41 weeks and 3 days, and my food stash was starting to run low. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4IPq-8x_oQ/WOL0daFgCXI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/naAFLp8_xYkuUlzWpMjju-HpV0QOCUdjgCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4IPq-8x_oQ/WOL0daFgCXI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/naAFLp8_xYkuUlzWpMjju-HpV0QOCUdjgCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One item that I would not let anyone, including myself, touch were the lactation cookies. There are so many horror stories on the web telling new moms that breastfeeding is REALLY hard work, dare I say impossible, and that it is likely that you will not produce enough milk for your baby.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ctt.ec/1cdw0" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Eat these cookies to boost your milk supply.</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me make it VERY clear - breastfeeding is hard work but gets easier with patience and practice. Also, you'll know your baby is getting enough milk if they have plenty of wet diapers (5+) each day and if they are gaining weight - that is, after the initial birth weight drop within the first few days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVugr-OuJcQ/WOL0iHqs91I/AAAAAAAAJ_g/lcLDmdQo51Q3MDdTtcZ_byFEMRM4y-cJwCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVugr-OuJcQ/WOL0iHqs91I/AAAAAAAAJ_g/lcLDmdQo51Q3MDdTtcZ_byFEMRM4y-cJwCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So let's get back to the trail mix lactation cookies! They contain two ingredients that are said to help milk supply - oatmeal and flaxseed. They also contain almonds which have been said to help decrease baby blues and postpartum depression. In addition to eating these cookies all day long, I would take two brewer's yeast tablets each evening. I can't say that these cookies and the brewer's yeast really helped 'boost' my milk supply since I started eating these the day I left the hospital - well before my milk even came in. Either way, they sure are delicious!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free]</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
</span>
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<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Cook time: <span class="cooktime">10-12 minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">42 cookies </span><br />
<div class="nutrition">
Nutrition per cookie: <span class="calories">111 Calories | 13 g Carbs | 5 g Fat | 3 g Protein | 7 g Sugar</span></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount"> </span>
<span class="name">very ripe, medium Banana</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Coconut Sugar</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Honey</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 </span>
<span class="name">Eggs</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup </span>
<span class="name">Peanut Butter (check ingredients label to verify 'peanuts' is the only ingredient)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/2 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Baking Soda</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Salt</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Oats</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">All Purpose Flour</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Ground Flaxseed</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup </span>
<span class="name">Dark Chocolate Chips [*to make these dairy free - use dairy-free chocolate chips or omit]</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup </span>
<span class="name">Dried Cranberries</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Almonds, chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Peanuts, chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Pecans, chopped</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a stand mixer, mix together banana, sugar and honey.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Add eggs and mix together one at a time.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix in vanilla extract and peanut butter.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a separate bowl, combine baking soda, salt, oats, flaxseed and flour.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet until well combined.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir in dried fruit, chocolates, and nuts. *Choose any fruits and nuts that you prefer
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Scoop out cookie dough using 1 tablespoon size balls.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Allow to cool prior to eating.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
*Store extra cooked cookies in the freezer.</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxuYSdUD4k8/WOL0nqkaSdI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/kgrhofMLy7MezoIT8cGnWEaKc5ncyVQNwCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxuYSdUD4k8/WOL0nqkaSdI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/kgrhofMLy7MezoIT8cGnWEaKc5ncyVQNwCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Lactation Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/cf9r1" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Nutritious cookies while you are breastfeeding. </a></blockquote>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite kind of cookie?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever stored premade cookies in the freezer?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pin.it/zB0LjBU" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </span></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-78913963879169254172017-04-03T00:01:00.000-04:002017-04-03T13:30:23.719-04:00Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Taking care of a newborn brings all sorts of challenges and battles - don't let feeding them be one of the battles. Below are a handful of tips for introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">FirstsMadeEasy </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">#ForBetterBeginnings</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"> #MomsFirsts</span> #CollectiveBias</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Discover more tips for <a href="http://cbi.as/4w29p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">better beginnings</a>.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">--</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">When </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">A </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">and I moved to Missouri, I was 10 weeks pregnant. We did a lot of research to find a doctor we liked and hospital that we felt comfortable delivering at. The hospital we chose is considered a baby-friendly facility which me</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">ans it </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">offers an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding. They encourage breastfeeding and offer unlimited amounts of support to make breastfeeding possible. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnO0efiz6_I/WOEq-jYO8II/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/QTo2_gLVP5ovYEWmdAi28jzIfASsWN6XQCLcB/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnO0efiz6_I/WOEq-jYO8II/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/QTo2_gLVP5ovYEWmdAi28jzIfASsWN6XQCLcB/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25286%2529.jpg" title="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I completely understand that breastfeeding isn't for everyone, whether it be a personal or medical decision. Heck, I was formula fed and in the past I had never been around individuals that chose to breastfeed their baby. Regardless of how you choose to feed your baby - fed is best! And in most cases you will need to purchase at least one bottle to feed your baby. Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, Momma needs some sanity too - I'm thinking spa day or girl's night out. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> was born, I met with a lactation consultant. She helped correct </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">LadyBug's</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> latch and explained all about milk supply, pumping, and introducing a bottle. It was recommended to wait 4-6 weeks prior to introducing a bottle so that my milk supply was well established and so that <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> didn't get nipple confusion.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ctt.ec/869K7" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Tips for introducing bottle to breastfed baby. </a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we finally started to introduce a bottle, it wasn't an easy task. She would fuss, arch her back, and just flat out scream. There are several techniques that can be used to successfully introduce a bottle to a breastfeeding </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">baby. And once the baby will take a bottle, Mom can go out for some much needed me-time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4As36fN3plE/WOErva90EqI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/cxabMD4jWK8CWLXjAfJIK_6eNq4BxIoTgCLcB/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4As36fN3plE/WOErva90EqI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/cxabMD4jWK8CWLXjAfJIK_6eNq4BxIoTgCLcB/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Have Mom leave the room, or leave the house altogether.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes babies won't take a bottle from their Mom because of confusion and would prefer the comfort of skin-to-skin feedings. If Mom can leave the room so that baby can't see or hear her, baby might take to the bottle right away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would take our dog for a walk around the block while <b style="font-style: italic;">A</b> introduced the bottle to <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i>. My absence allowed baby and Dad some much needed bonding time and also let <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> know that food can come from other sources other than Mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Play with the temperature of the milk.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some babies would prefer milk warm just like taking it straight from the breast while other babies aren't too concerned with temperature. At each bottle feeding, try a warmer or cooler temperature milk to see what baby will take. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Try different positions.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Putting baby in a position similar to breastfeeding might confuse baby. Try offering different positions and locations to help teach baby that food can come from other sources than just Mom. Some options would be to have baby sit upright or have baby sit in their carseat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Get the RIGHT bottle.</b></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Playtex Baby™ VentAire® bottles are a great choice because they offer complete tummy comfort and help baby latch on naturally. The angled design helps to promote a semi-upright positioning. This can help make bottle introduction more successful plus can help prevent ear infections.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSxmVdt_Nh4/WOE8oZZWcxI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/uG8qhBYM1sovCskeeQ29FXCAWmdu3oMtACLcB/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSxmVdt_Nh4/WOE8oZZWcxI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/uG8qhBYM1sovCskeeQ29FXCAWmdu3oMtACLcB/s640/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" title="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another option would be <span style="font-family: inherit;">the </span></span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Playtex Baby™ Nurser® with Drop-Ins® Liners which simulates the same suck, swallow and breathe patterns as breastfeeding. You can mix and match all Playtex bottles and nipples to find what works best for your baby - AMAZING!</span></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ctt.ec/udm83" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Find the RIGHT bottle.</a></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One reason why we love the VentAire bottles and Playtex nipples is that they can be found at Target. And I mean, what Mom and baby don't love to make a Target run during the week?! Don't forget those Cartwheel offers like </span></span><span style="background-color: yellow; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://cbi.as/7fjvj" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">15% Off All Playtex B</a></span></span></span><span style="background-color: yellow; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://cbi.as/7fjvj" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">aby Bottles (4/2-4/8)</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaXLKzKvRKg/WOFJcUFPpsI/AAAAAAAAJ_M/W5shTVntRJYIsm8vLb_X_gmJzAffpGwGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaXLKzKvRKg/WOFJcUFPpsI/AAAAAAAAJ_M/W5shTVntRJYIsm8vLb_X_gmJzAffpGwGQCLcB/s640/IMG_6990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Offer freshly pumped milk.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One easy way to 'trick' baby into taking a bottle is to offer freshly pumped milk over previously stored milk. The milk will be a temperature the baby is familiar with and will taste like it is coming directly from the source.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi_IDzcF928/WOErYgEbQZI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/86p4tEWNOEYPytAY90sorrIKVoPAAGD9wCEw/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi_IDzcF928/WOErYgEbQZI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/86p4tEWNOEYPytAY90sorrIKVoPAAGD9wCEw/s1600/introducing-bottle%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Tips For Introducing Bottle to Breastfed Baby | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just remember, you are doing a great job no matter how you choose to feed your baby. And don't be afraid to get support when needed - from professionals, family, friends, or peers. Parenthood is an ever evolving journey. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do you have any other techniques that others can use to introduce a bottle?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Do you remember to use Cartwheel offers while shopping at Target?</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to check out <a href="http://cbi.as/4w29p" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Playtex Babyâ„¢ for better beginnings</a>. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pin.it/hd4kDud" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-15322455765726711772017-03-28T00:01:00.000-04:002017-08-03T07:18:33.105-04:00Newborn Essentials - What Worked & What Didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Newborns require a lot of work but you don't have to buy everything that is marketed to you. Check out the products that worked for us and find out what didn't work. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.<br /><span style="background-color: white;">--</span></i></span><br />
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If you spend any time on the internet while being pregnant or a new parent, you will find loads of advice and promotions for products to help with a newborn. Sometimes it can be hard to tell which posts are endorsed by a brand and which are honest, tried-and-true products (<i>endorsed products should be disclosed).</i> Well after one whole month with a newborn, I can honestly share what products worked for us and which products I can't live without.<br />
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<a href="http://ctt.ec/Kl2UO" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Newborn Essentials - what worked and what didn't</a></blockquote>
Just a disclaimer, all of these products were purchased with my own money or gifted to us by family and friends. Also, I am a first time mom and only know what has worked for <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> but that doesn't mean they will be successful for you and your little one.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMidXNyVVTs/WNBj67kyb-I/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/RszWPXOao-MsDm4i-ItJm4lS-UZ9VO6SACLcB/s1600/First%2B4%2BWeeks%2Bwith%2BNewborn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newborn Essentials - What Worked & What Didn't | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMidXNyVVTs/WNBj67kyb-I/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/RszWPXOao-MsDm4i-ItJm4lS-UZ9VO6SACLcB/s640/First%2B4%2BWeeks%2Bwith%2BNewborn.png" title="Newborn Essentials - What Worked & What Didn't | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="text-align: center;">1. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://shrsl.com/j8vb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milkies Milk-Saver Breast Milk Collector</a> ($29.95)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">This is seriously a MUST if you plan on breastfeeding. I had no idea that I would leak so much milk from the non-nursing side. Sometimes as much as 3 ounces. By using the milk savor, I didn't have to dedicate extra time pumping or hand expressing to build up my freezer stash. Also, the days that I didn't use the milk savor, I had more engorgement issues which can lead to a whole slew of problems (mastitis, blocked ducts, etc). I highly recommend purchasing a milk savor for yourself and a few for your friends. I WILL be buying one of these for each of my pregnant friends!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;">2. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fswaddleme-original-swaddle-3pk-mint-dots-grey-chevron-s-0-3mo%2F-%2FA-49181065" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SwaddleMe® Original Swaddle</a> ($34.99)</span></span></b><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Our little <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> is such a Houdini. She can manage her way out of even the tightest of swaddles. The hospital staff was impressed with her strength and desire to alway have her hands near her face. This made it extremely difficult for <i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> and I to get any sleep. When we went for her first wellness visit, a resident had recommended that we purchase a swaddle with velcro. These have been great for the first four weeks allowing us to get 4-5 straight hours of sleep at night *<i>Now that <b>LadyBug</b> is 5 weeks, she has managed to figure out how to get her hands out of even these swaddles. She's a strong-willed child. </i></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>3. <a href="http://chemistrybrand.com/product/retin-oil" target="_blank">Retin-Oil</a> ($20.00)</b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I gained quite a bit of weight during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Luckily the only stretch marks I got were very small and on my hip/butt cheek. I wanted to find a product that could help tighten up my belly skin, reduce discoloration, and help improve stretch marks. I only use this dry oil on my belly and hips/butt and use a <a href="http://amzn.to/2kAkoYg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">regular, unscented moisturizer</a> on the remainder of my body. So far I can't say that this product has helped dramatically make a difference, but I have enjoyed using it. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>4. <a href="http://bit.ly/2nFnM5H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nursing Bras</a> ($16.99)</b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Nursing bras - I could rant about nursing bras until I turned blue in the face. I went through what feels like dozens of bras to find something that was comfortable, functional, and supportive. You guys, if you are going to breastfeed then expect your boobs to be extremely heavy. So heavy that I feel like I have a 10-pound bowling ball in each of my bra cups. These have been a great option, especially at night. They don't provide the smoothest look under clothes but I'm all about comfort these days. I also really like <a href="http://bit.ly/2okKL9u" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this bra</a> for everyday use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="text-align: center;">5. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fdockatot-deluxe-dock-white%2F-%2FA-51818615" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DockATot Deluxe</a> ($165.00)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">There are so many people that will rave about the DockATot and that it's completely necessary for you and your spouse to get any sleep at night. If you read up about the uses for the DockATot Deluxe, it's not recommended for unsupervised sleeping. We still chose to use this at night because <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> sleeps in the same room as us. I can't say that this product alone has helped with nighttime sleeping but since day three, we usually get at least four straight hours of sleep. For the cost of these, I can't say they are necessary to have. Please share your thoughts if you've used this product in the comments below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="text-align: center;">6. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2n8zqpt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rock 'n Play Sleeper</a> ($79.99)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">We've used this since day one only during the day. It's a perfect place to allow <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> to nap and we could keep our eye on her. It can be easily transported to any room which is super convenient for us in a two story house. We also ended up using this during a few evenings because the incline helped with her </span>nighttime congestion. I can say that we absolutely love the Rock 'n Play.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fburt-s-bees-baby-shampoo-wash-calming-21oz%2F-%2FA-14772010%3Flnk%3Drec%7Cpdpipadh1%7Crelated_prods_vv%7Cpdpipadh1%7C14772010%7C0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash</a> ($13.59) | </span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fburt-s-bees-baby-nourishing-lotion-calming-12oz%2F-%2FA-14384134" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion</a> ($9.99)</span></b></span><br />
There are loads of body care products available for babies. We've liked the feeling and smell of this shampoo/body wash and lotion. When it comes to body care items, I just recommend sticking with one product rather than playing around with different brands and scents. Babies have very sensitive skin so try and be gentle.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2n04BSq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nalgene Water Bottle</a> ($9.99)</span></b><br />
Water is something I have never really enjoyed. I forced myself to drink a ton of water while pregnant - my goal was 100 ounces a day. Now that I am breastfeeding, I need a lot of water to help maintain my milk supply. I was given a huge water bottle at the hospital and I walk around with that every day. Again, my goal is to get 100 ounces in a day, but the nursing staff said that 64 ounces was plenty. Either way, find a huge water bottle that you like, preferably one that shows the measurements on the side.<br />
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<b>9<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/02/trail-mix-cookies-dairy-free.html" target="_blank">Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free]</a></span></span></b><br />
As a nursing mom, I need around 500 more calories a day. I like to munch on these trail mix cookies and I made a few minor adjustments to the recipe making them lactation cookies. But any and all snacks are great to have on hand including popcorn!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10. <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2n2y7aS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrington Farms Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil</a> ($6.48)</span></b></span><br />
Those that have never breastfed before, it can be brutal especially while working on your baby's latch. I ended up meeting with a lactation consultant twice after my milk came in for assistance with latch and soreness. The consultant prescribed me a concoction of creams to use then recommended that I switch to coconut oil once my nipples healed. To this day, I continue to use coconut oil, plus it doesn't have to be washed off prior to feedings. This one is by far my favorite brand and has been for years.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>11. <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2nlFgWB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medela SoftShells</a> ($16.58)</span></b></span><br />
Speaking of sore nipples, I was gifted these shells and am so grateful for them. They allow for my lady bits to air out and keeps fabric from rubbing up against them. And while I was healing from a horrible latch, the scabs would stick to any breast pads that I would use. Talk about painful. These shells helped my so much during the first few weeks with a newborn.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>12. <a href="http://amzn.to/2nR6khx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Postpartum Belly Wrap</a> ($39.99)</b></span><br />
Several people recommended that I invest in a belly wrap for postpartum care. They are useful in prodiving back support while breastfeeding and also helps to shrink your uterus back quicker. The packaging says to wear this as often as comfortable - I chose to wear it for a few hours each day starting on day 3. It really helped with the back support and I feel like it helped 'slim' my waist quickly. However, this is my first pregnancy so I don't have much to compare the length of heal time <span style="font-family: inherit;">to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are just a few items. We all know that babies require a lot of work but you can easily get by with just a few essentials. One of those essential items that you MUST have but I didn not mention is a car seat. I feel like car seats are personal preference and you should find one that works with your lifestyle, car, and/or stroller. Besides those items listed above, I have a few honorable mentions and items that did not work for us. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/TO71m" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Click to tweet: What you NEED for your newborn</a></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>Honorable mentions</b>: <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fpampers-swaddlers-diapers-super-pack-select-size%2F-%2FA-14783999" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pampers Newborn Diapers</a>, <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fseventh-generation-free-and-clear-baby-wipes-256-count%2F-%2FA-14146657" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seventh Generation Wipes</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2ng0FP8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Butt Paste</a>, homemade blankets, popcorn. sleepers with buttons, reusable cloth diapers, <a href="http://amzn.to/2noyBsY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby K'tan</a>, and <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fergobaby-360-4-position-bundle-of-joy-black-camel%2F-%2FA-16814794" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ergobaby</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What didn't work</b>: <a href="http://amzn.to/2nFPEbX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pack n Play reversible napper and changer</a>, fancy or elaborate clothing, baby shoes, and baby toys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Tell me, what baby products were essential in your house?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>What baby products just didn't work?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Share your favorite piece of baby advice that someone gave you in the comments below. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370110183202/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 113px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 301px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 113px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 301px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 113px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 301px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 113px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 301px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-21809882514608282112017-02-28T00:01:00.000-05:002017-10-09T10:28:08.283-04:00Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free]<i>Trail mix cookies are filled with dried fruit and nuts making them a great snack to grab during the day. They also make for a great breakfast option for those mornings that you just don't have time to make anything. These trail mix cookies are dairy-free and do extremely well in the freezer so you will always have fresh cookies! Stay tuned for a special lactation trail mix cookie alternative soon. </i><br />
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<br />
Having a newborn in the house creates a whole new sort of tired. I've heard it a thousand times that it's important to sleep when the baby sleeps as nighttime sleep is unheard of. I've also heard over and over again about how sleep deprived I will be during the first few weeks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJzBBqeh90E/WLSYQJiZqbI/AAAAAAAAJzA/h77_sKtpXgsr_KcnL3dZbQz6oJQF6zDngCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJzBBqeh90E/WLSYQJiZqbI/AAAAAAAAJzA/h77_sKtpXgsr_KcnL3dZbQz6oJQF6zDngCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252813%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<br />
Well either it's been the help of <b><i>A</i> </b>or not having guests over or that we have an AMAZING baby, but sleep hasn't really been an issue. Sure the first few days required lots of naps because it's hard work to labor and give birth to a baby. Plus trying to figure out the whole breastfeeding thing and waiting for my milk to come in is a chore alone.<br />
<br />
Now that we have a very flexible schedule in place after two weeks, <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> is getting around 5-6 straight hours of beauty sleep at night. This also allows me to get some much needed beauty rest too! But with all the feedings, swaddling, swaying, and diaper changes that often require four diapers at a time because <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug </i>likes to eat and that food needs to go somewhere - this Momma gets hungry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkqxTS8VweQ/WLSYYGOyrPI/AAAAAAAAJzE/xjxZR4dPJxwdX-TzVyvisNBNEaavZnJ_ACLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkqxTS8VweQ/WLSYYGOyrPI/AAAAAAAAJzE/xjxZR4dPJxwdX-TzVyvisNBNEaavZnJ_ACLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
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I've been chowing down on these trail mix cookies as often as <i style="font-weight: bold;">LadyBug</i> requests the 'boob booze'. They are a great midnight snack, great for breakfast, or just as a snack. With dried fruit, nuts and chocolate - these cookies will please everyone. Plus I've made an alternative for those breastfeeding momma's (recipe coming soon for lactation trail mix cookies).<br />
<br />
I keep a large bag of premade trail mix cookies in the freezer and take 4-5 out at a time. It's like having fresh cookies whenever I please!!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/4c79d" target="_blank">Click to tweet: These trail mix cookies are great ALL. DAY. LONG.</a></blockquote>
Go ahead and run, not walk, to the kitchen to make yourself a batch.<br />
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI0ZOe9-BrA/WLSYchi6bRI/AAAAAAAAJzI/dbncGZCU5xkGenJG3MdFKoAkI8BPhEV1QCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI0ZOe9-BrA/WLSYchi6bRI/AAAAAAAAJzI/dbncGZCU5xkGenJG3MdFKoAkI8BPhEV1QCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25287%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<div class="fn">
<span class="item"><br /></span></div>
<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Trail Mix Cookies</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Cook time: <span class="cooktime">10-12 minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">42 cookies</span><br />
<div class="nutrition">
Nutrition per cookie: <span class="calories">107 Calories | 13 g Carbs | 5 g Fat | 3 g Protein | 7 g Sugar</span></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">very ripe, medium</span>
<span class="name">Banana</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup </span>
<span class="name">Coconut Sugar</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Honey</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 </span>
<span class="name">Eggs</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">Peanut Butter (check ingredients label to verify 'peanuts' is the only ingredient)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Baking Soda</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Salt</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Oats</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">All Purpose Flour</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Dried Cranberries</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Almonds, chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Peanuts, chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Pecans, chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">*Optional: M&Ms on top of cookies</span></li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a stand mixer, mix together banana, sugar and honey.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Add eggs and mix together one at a time.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix in vanilla extract and peanut butter.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a separate bowl, combine baking soda, salt, oats and flour.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet until well combined.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir in dried fruit, chocolates, and nuts. *Choose any fruits and nuts that you prefer
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Scoop out cookie dough using 1 tablespoon size balls.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Allow to cool prior to eating.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
*Store extra cooked cookies in the freezer.
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMSu8CKl2m4/WLSYhiragmI/AAAAAAAAJzM/vATsM7y6v5c0qOIOA4R6ttxd0of4VrXdgCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMSu8CKl2m4/WLSYhiragmI/AAAAAAAAJzM/vATsM7y6v5c0qOIOA4R6ttxd0of4VrXdgCLcB/s1600/trail-mix-cookies_www.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" title="Trail Mix Cookies [Dairy-Free] | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite type of cookie?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109884901/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </span></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-24577199689701030512017-02-21T00:01:00.000-05:002017-02-28T10:23:48.036-05:00Third Trimester Must Haves<i>My third trimester felt like it was never going to end. It was filled with loads of changing hormones and new pregnancy symptoms that I never experienced previously. Be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/first-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">first </a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/first-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">trimester</a> and <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/02/second-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">second trimester</a> must haves. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</i><br /><span style="background-color: white;">--</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Did you miss my announcement on Instagram welcoming our LadyBug to this world?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQga7L-hzKy/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jenn - a traveling Wife (@atravelingwife)</a> on <time datetime="2017-02-14T21:09:31+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 14, 2017 at 1:09pm PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Now that she is finally here, I can share with you the products that helped me survive the third trimester.<br />
<br />
The third trimester brought plenty of changes that I had never experienced with this pregnancy. The hormone changes took me by surprise with my hair growing like crazy and the amount of acne that popped up on my chest and back. Also, sleeping was difficult. It wasn't because I couldn't get comfortable, but I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was drowning in mucus and I snored like a freight train (my poor husband!).<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/ic4cG" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Need some help surviving the 3rd trimester? Try out these products!</a></blockquote>
With the help of the below products, I survived the third trimester and made it to 41 weeks 2 days before I went into labor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPBAMPWd6o0/WKt3dJPIDzI/AAAAAAAAJwk/GquAVUFB_1IXRtdVTeLMXk9pg3EjKeWvACLcB/s1600/third%2Btrimester%2Bmust%2Bhaves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Third Trimester Must Haves | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPBAMPWd6o0/WKt3dJPIDzI/AAAAAAAAJwk/GquAVUFB_1IXRtdVTeLMXk9pg3EjKeWvACLcB/s640/third%2Btrimester%2Bmust%2Bhaves.png" title="Third Trimester Must Haves | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>1. <a href="http://amzn.to/2lAat7N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dreamsweet Maternity Body Pillow</a> ($80) </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Without this pillow I would not have gotten any sleep at night. It was a life save and allowed me to get as comfortable as possible so that I could get my much needed sleep. The pillow also helped me from wanting to roll flat on my back. I would buy this for all of my pregnant friends because it is just that good. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, you NEED one.<br />
<br />
<b>2<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fmaternity-essential-tank-liz-lange-for-target%2F-%2FA-15008910" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Maternity Essential Tank - Liz Lange for Target</a> ($12.99)</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">YES, I love these tanks. I talked all about them in my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/02/second-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">second trimester must have post</a>. They are amazing and you need multiples of them in every color. Plus they are great postpartum. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. </b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2lgO5gr" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vitafusionâ„¢ Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies</a> ($6.99), </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fmaternity-essential-tank-liz-lange-for-target%2F-%2FA-15008910" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nature Made Iron 65 mg Tablets</a><b> ($5.19),</b><b>and </b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcolace-100-mg-stool-softener-capsules-30-ct%2F-%2FA-14358842" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">COLACE 100 mg Stool Softener Capsules</a> ($8.99)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like in the <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/02/second-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">second trimester must have post</a>, these were my go-to vitamins and supplements that I took daily. Be sure to go check out why I took gummy prenatal vitamins and a separate iron pill. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2kAkoYg" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Advanced Repair Unscented</a> ($3.48)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is another one of those products that I used my entire pregnancy. I shared my love for it in my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/first-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">first trimester must haves posts</a> and again in the <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/02/second-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">second trimester post</a>. I successfully made it through my entire pregnancy with just a few tiny stretch marks on my left hip (I blame sleeping on my left side for this issue). This Vaseline lotion helped keep my skin moisturized for months on end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2mgelrG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honeywell Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier </a>($49.99)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sinus inflammation and mucus buildup was real for the third trimester. Any time I laid down I would feel like I was downing in mucus. Plus it was the middle of winter during this time period so the house was very dry. This humidifier helped allow me to get some sleep at night. I used it every single night and </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">continue to use it for our LadyBug now at night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fbreathe-right-nasal-strips-30-pk-tan-m-l%2F-%2FA-11044558" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breathe Right Strips</a> ($11.29) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I snored and snored so load during the third trimester. The snoring was so loud sometimes that I would wake myself up. Between the humidifier and the breathe right strips, I was able to calm down the snoring just a little bit, but not every night. My poor husband had to suffer through weeks of me snoring and often wouldn't get a very good night's sleep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. Medjool Dates</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I talked about the possible benefits for eating 6 dates a day leading up to you delivery date in my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/raw-vegan-donut-holes.html" target="_blank">raw vegan donut hole recipe</a> post. It's worth a read if you are interested in a more favorable delivery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fnature-s-bounty-evening-primrose-oil-1000-mg-softgels-60-count%2F-%2FA-16505550" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evening Primrose Oil</a> ($6.99)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I made it to 40 weeks and the OB discussed planning for an induction, I decided to try some alternatives to see if I could get things moving on their own. This is when I caved and bought evening primrose oil. I don't know if this necessarily helped my labor start spontaneously or if it helped me during delivery but it didn't hurt to give it a shot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. <a href="http://amzn.to/2lAj7Da" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exercise Ball</a> ($16.95) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Starting at 36 weeks, I bounced and bounced and only sat on the floor or a stability ball to help the Little Lady make her way into the correct position. I had one stability ball on the main floor of our house and another in my office. I swear LadyBug likes to be bounced now to sleep because she is so used to the movement on the exercise ball. Even if you are not pregnant, I recommend getting a stability ball to sit on at your desk. You can read how this <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2016/05/the-one-product-that-could-add-years-to.html" target="_blank">one simple product could add years to your life.</a> </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/ic4cG" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click to tweet: </span>Need some help surviving the 3rd trimester? Try out these products!</a></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aversions: </b>I don't recall having any aversions during the third trimester. Nothing like the aversion to chicken that I experienced during the first and second trimesters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cravings:</b> The third trimester I definitely wanted more sweets. I was always wanting comforting foods - maybe because it was winter or maybe just because I was feeling the need to be comforted. I enjoyed chicken pot pies, pizza, boxed mac 'n cheese, and cereals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109884838/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have you tried any of these products?</span></b><br />
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-7881177481669832682017-02-14T00:01:00.000-05:002017-10-09T10:25:10.654-04:00Cookie Monster - No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie<i>This post has been updated and revised from March 16, 2015. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The recipe has been revised to represent the best possible no added sugar chocolate chip cookies. Also, t</i><em>his post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">--</span><br />
<br />
I have a huge sweet tooth. This sweet tooth is partial to cookies - any type of cookie. I will make a <i>double</i> batch of Nestle Toll House cookies <i>with dark chocolate chips</i> and they will be gone before the week is over. I might need an intervention.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/2hcbz" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Don't feel guilty about eating cookies! Try these no added sugar dark chocolate chip cookies</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdsjuvHq59o/WJz6bWiaPUI/AAAAAAAAJt0/2inMqfuPdG8MahSoPaBSgqt2HvpO5ajPQCLcB/s1600/no-refined-sugar-cookies%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdsjuvHq59o/WJz6bWiaPUI/AAAAAAAAJt0/2inMqfuPdG8MahSoPaBSgqt2HvpO5ajPQCLcB/s640/no-refined-sugar-cookies%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" title="No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="600" /></a></div>
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Now I don't have to feel guilty about eating cookies. These chocolate chip cookies have absolutely no added sugar (<i>besides the chocolate chips</i>) but taste like a sweet little treat. I bet you can't eat just one! Oh and did I mention that these are dairy free as well?!<br />
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<div class="hrecipe">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfy5Wd32PAs/WJz69ImDXcI/AAAAAAAAJt8/v_bCvx5Wfrce-6Jcbvg0jeJpOTVks013wCLcB/s1600/no-refined-sugar-cookies%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfy5Wd32PAs/WJz69ImDXcI/AAAAAAAAJt8/v_bCvx5Wfrce-6Jcbvg0jeJpOTVks013wCLcB/s640/no-refined-sugar-cookies%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="600" /></a></div>
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<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>No Added Sugar Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
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<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Cook time: <span class="cooktime">10-12 minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">12 cookies</span><br />
<div class="nutrition">
<span class="calories">Nutrition per cookie: 116 Calories | 15 g Carbs | 6 g Fat | 1 g Protein | 5 g Sugar</span></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/3 cup</span>
<span class="name">Butter, at room temperature</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 medium</span>
<span class="name">Banana, extra ripe and mashed</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon </span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup </span>
<span class="name">All Purpose Flour (also works well with whole wheat flour)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Dark Chocolate Chip Morsels, or <a href="http://amzn.to/2lwt2Y6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dairy free alternative</a></span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 tablespoon +</span>
<span class="name">Water, as needed to thin out dough</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Whip butter with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2ltPLDn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stand mixer </a>then add in mashed banana and vanilla extract.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Slowly incorporate the flour and baking powder until well mixed.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix in the chocolate chip morsels.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
If dough is too dry, add water 1/2 Tablespoon at a time.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Place one tablespoon of dough on <a href="http://amzn.to/2ltS759" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cookie pan</a> and flatten slightly.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
I noticed that the cookie would not flatten out during the baking process. If you don't want balls of cookies, I suggest you flatten them slightly.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 10-12 minutes then allow to cool on cookie rack.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy with milk</li>
</ol>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/3yco8" target="_blank">Click to tweet: You can't eat just one of these cookies, and you don't have to feel bad about it!</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieiPFXeO1UY/WJz7f2r6AnI/AAAAAAAAJuM/JZy0dosGlesTvoXENdsJiWMV41MrWjvtQCLcB/s1600/no-refined-sugar-cookies%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieiPFXeO1UY/WJz7f2r6AnI/AAAAAAAAJuM/JZy0dosGlesTvoXENdsJiWMV41MrWjvtQCLcB/s640/no-refined-sugar-cookies%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" title="No Added Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookie | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="600" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite type of cookie?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is your go-to guilty sweet?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you like to do with your overly ripe bananas?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109765445/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-36416617801324506912017-02-07T00:01:00.000-05:002017-02-20T18:20:54.657-05:00Second Trimester Must Haves<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><i>My second trimester started with a lot of nausea that I never experienced during the first trimester and ended with me gaining my energy back. Here are the items that helped me survive my second trimester of pregnancy. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</i><br /><span style="background-color: white;">--</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">As I am sitting down to type out this post, I am counting contractions. I am 40 weeks and 6 days pregnant - just waiting for the Little Lady to decide when she would like to meet us. While I've already shared my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/first-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">favorite products that helped me get through the first trimester</a>, I better share what worked during the second trimester. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><a href="http://ctt.ec/5cMUd" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Need some help surviving the 2nd trimester? Try out these products!</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #444444;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have to start out by saying that</span><span style="background-color: white;"> pregnancy is a wonderful thing but I understand that there are many struggles along the way for a lot of families. If this post is not for you, come back next week for a delicious recipe.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7MZfs_Ncds/WJjj0bxykhI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/rU4W0aytA3M5tyBE-RHjCq0lG1K84HJYwCLcB/s1600/second%2Btrimester%2Bmust%2Bhaves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Second Trimester Must Haves | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7MZfs_Ncds/WJjj0bxykhI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/rU4W0aytA3M5tyBE-RHjCq0lG1K84HJYwCLcB/s640/second%2Btrimester%2Bmust%2Bhaves.png" title="Second Trimester Must Haves | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">1. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/unisom-sleeptabs-tablets/-/A-15811875" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unisom</a> ($7.49) and <a href="http://www.target.com/p/nature-made-b-6-100mg-tablets-100-count/-/A-11010212" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">B-6</a> ($4.49)</span></b></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">I never experienced any nausea during the first trimester which is normally when pregnant woman get nauseous. Instead, I felt extremely nauseous every morning once I hit the second trimester. My doctor had recommended that I take Unisom and B-6 together at night to help with the nausea in the morning. This totally did the trick for me. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">2. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fmaternity-essential-tank-liz-lange-for-target%2F-%2FA-15008910" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maternity Essential Tank - Liz Lange for Target</a> ($12.99)</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">I LIVED in these tank tops starting with the second trimester all the way until this day. I have 2 in black, 2 in white, and 1 in grey and they are in constant rotation each and every day. They are extremely comfortable, long, and stretchy. I noticed with a lot of maternity clothing, especially ones with the elastic sides, they didn't fit well until my belly grew in size. Then my belly became too big and those elastic sided shirts were uncomfortable. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">These tanks fit well when my belly was still little and stretched amazingly when my belly was the size of a dinosaur egg. I highly, highly recommend buying multiples of these tanks. Plus they will be perfect to wear after I have the baby. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b>3. </b></span><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2lgO5gr" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vitafusionâ„¢ Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies</a> ($6.99), <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fmaternity-essential-tank-liz-lange-for-target%2F-%2FA-15008910" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Nature Made Iron 65 mg Tablets</a><b> ($5.99),</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> and </b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcolace-100-mg-stool-softener-capsules-30-ct%2F-%2FA-14358842" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">COLACE 100 mg Stool Softener Capsules</a> ($8.99)</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I continued my second trimester with the same gummy prenatal vitamin. And in case you weren't aware, iron cannot be gummified so I also took a seperate iron supplement tablet. On top of those two items, I added a stool softener because pregnancy does crazy things to your digestive system and iron tends to back you up. These are the three items I took each and every day. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I must warn you, my nausea that I experienced during the second trimester was mostly due to the addition of iron. I had no idea it was so rough on the stomach. Once I switched to taking my iron pill at night, I was no longer dealing with morning nausea. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">4. </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2kAkoYg" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Advanced Repair Unscented</a> ($3.48)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I still loved this stuff going into my second trimester. I love how it's unscented and didn't bother my nauseous stomach and it's very moisturizing. I thank this lotion for helping to prevent stretch marks, which I still don't have any. <i>* I talked more about the science of stretch marks in my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/first-trimester-must-haves.html" target="_blank">First Trimester Must Haves</a> post. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2kAslwK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belly Band Combo</a> ($19.95)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I used these extenders starting in the second trimester and wore them almost until the end of my pregnancy. They helped get a little extra wear out of my shorts and jeans rather than having to buy all new clothes. They are extremely comfortable and very forgiving. It wasn't until about 36 weeks that I had to cave and buy a pair of maternity jeans. Mostly because I was scared of stretching out my favorite non-maternity jeans, since I wore them practically every day. <i>Well every day that I was required to leave the house. Otherwise I stayed in pajama pants or yoga pants. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. <a href="http://amzn.to/2kLraN6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stadler Form JASMINE Aroma Diffuser</a> ($49.95)</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> and </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2lheydD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NOW Essential Oils: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender</a> ($15.95)</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I suffered with quite a bit of pregnancy insomnia starting in the second trimester. I don't really know if the diffuser and essential oils helped at night, but it sure did smell good. I really enjoyed diffusing lavender at night because it is calming, but I liked to change it up every few days with either tea tree oil or eucalyptus. I highly recommend getting a diffuser and some good essential oils (you'll have to do your own research when it come to the quality of different brands). </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">7. </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2kGmubX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bella B Foaming Face Wash</a> ($9.99)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I suffered severely with acne during my entire pregnancy. First I had it all over my chin and jawline, then it slightly cleared up (thanks to this face wash), and then it went to my chest and back. Most of it was the really painful hormonal acne with an occasional blackhead. I really believe that this face wash helped clear up my face during the second trimester. It's gentle and contains good, clean ingredients. But once I got to the third trimester, there was no helping my skin - my hormones were out of control. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aversions:</b> I still avoided chicken at all costs. I didn't want to cook it and I definitely didn't want to eat it. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cravings:</b> I never really had any specific cravings, just like the first trimester. However, I NEVER deprived myself from eating something. For example, I have always loved boxed mac and cheese. During this period of time, I never talked myself out of buying a box here or there to eat. Also, I really enjoyed pretzels with cheese dip (<a href="http://amzn.to/2lh7qOB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">specifically this one</a>). And eating cereal - no specific type. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I successfully survived the second trimester and learned a lot along the way. Keep your eyes out for my third trimester must haves as well as a baby announcement (hopefully soon!). </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/5cMUd" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Need some help surviving the 2nd trimester? Try out these products!</a></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109750103/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have you tried any of these products?</span></b></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-47170313666394455412017-01-31T00:01:00.000-05:002017-01-31T19:21:57.151-05:00Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar]<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The ever popular <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2016/03/flourless-chocolate-skillet-cake.html" target="_blank">Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake</a> underwent some rigorous testing. Now you can enjoy all the chocolate fudgy goodness with less fat and sugar. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.<br /><span style="background-color: white;">--</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With Valentine's Day coming up, you might be looking for something sweet to serve your sweetheart. If not, then maybe you just want to indulge in something extra tasty after completing Whole30. For me, I don't need any excuses to dig into something warm and chocolatey after dinner. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-8jBFUdscw/WI_YiYFBBHI/AAAAAAAAJss/Kt9aiwx4m6wcUGetT5edrfNieurIA8cbACLcB/s1600/Flourless%2BChocolate%2BSkillet%2BCake%2B%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar] | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-8jBFUdscw/WI_YiYFBBHI/AAAAAAAAJss/Kt9aiwx4m6wcUGetT5edrfNieurIA8cbACLcB/s640/Flourless%2BChocolate%2BSkillet%2BCake%2B%25288%2529.jpg" title="Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar] | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Way back when, I shared a super tasty <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2016/03/flourless-chocolate-skillet-cake.html" target="_blank">flourless chocolate skillet cake</a>. It's fudgy and sweet and deserves a generous scoop of ice cream to put on top. That dessert is a show stopper and even fairs well in the refrigerator for a few days to be reheated into individual servings in the microwave. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekxNXPphAdg/WI_YobwNzYI/AAAAAAAAJsw/zIiFyBF70WQPebeEQm0daJFU8Z0WWX8wgCLcB/s1600/Flourless%2BChocolate%2BSkillet%2BCake%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar] | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekxNXPphAdg/WI_YobwNzYI/AAAAAAAAJsw/zIiFyBF70WQPebeEQm0daJFU8Z0WWX8wgCLcB/s640/Flourless%2BChocolate%2BSkillet%2BCake%2B%252811%2529.jpg" title="Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar] | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But some of you like to keep fats and sugars to a minimum - I do too, most of the time. So I've reworked the recipe so that you can also enjoy this treat. I promise you, you will never miss the extra fat or sugar! And my favorite part about this dessert is that I ALWAYS have the ingredients on hand. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/PbU0l" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Who's ready for warm, gooey, fudgy Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake?</a></blockquote>
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
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<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar]</b></span></div>
<div class="fn">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">Dark Chocolate Chip Morsels</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Butter</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">Unsweetened Applesauce</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Granulated Sugar</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">pinch</span>
<span class="name">Salt</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">3 large</span>
<span class="name">Eggs</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Unsweetened Cocoa Powder</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a large microwave safe bowl, slowly melt chocolate morsels and butter in 30 second intervals in the microwave.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Once completely smooth and melted, mix in applesauce, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Completely mix in three large eggs until well combined.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir in cocoa powder until incorporated.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Spray a <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcast-iron-skillet-10-in-threshold%2F-%2FA-16977095" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 inch cast iron skillet</a> with cooking spray and sprinkle with cocoa powder. Pour in cake batter and smooth the top.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a solid crust has formed on the top.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes and serve with a generous helping on ice cream on top.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!
</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnQHdbyfWpk/WI_YtSZ8eTI/AAAAAAAAJs0/QWxlZuarrUYwLV7xV8IIRuz5AxMLH9rCgCLcB/s1600/Flourless%2BChocolate%2BSkillet%2BCake%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar] | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnQHdbyfWpk/WI_YtSZ8eTI/AAAAAAAAJs0/QWxlZuarrUYwLV7xV8IIRuz5AxMLH9rCgCLcB/s640/Flourless%2BChocolate%2BSkillet%2BCake%2B%252815%2529.jpg" title="Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake [Reduced Fat and Sugar] | a-traveling-wife | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like I said, this dessert is best served with a generous helping of your favorite ice cream. It's a great treat to share with your loved one or just eat on your own. If you don't eat the entire skillet cake in one sitting, cover your skillet with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. You can then warm up individual servings in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave (about 20-30 seconds). </div>
<div>
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<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What are you making for Valentine's Day?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What kind of ice cream would you put on top of this chocolate skillet cake?</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109708954/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </span></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-47131925183951064252017-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:002017-02-06T15:14:31.527-05:00First Trimester Must Haves<i>While my first trimester was pretty straight forward with not many 'typical' pregnancy symptoms, these were the items that helped me survive the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</span></i><br />
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<br />
This post is WAY overdue, considering that I am currently 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant, and I have to add a brief disclaimer prior to diving right into my must-have list for the first trimester. While pregnancy is a wonderful thing, I understand that there are many struggles along the way for a lot of families. If this post is not for you, come back next week for a delicious recipe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUME0SfBEMU/WIaZLrNOyzI/AAAAAAAAJsI/IxWCUNSOG18TVzNZ4k_twDgHCUvqunUpACLcB/s1600/first%2Btrimestermusthaves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="First Trimester Must Haves | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUME0SfBEMU/WIaZLrNOyzI/AAAAAAAAJsI/IxWCUNSOG18TVzNZ4k_twDgHCUvqunUpACLcB/s640/first%2Btrimestermusthaves.png" title="First Trimester Must Haves | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>1. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fbematernity-by-ingrid-isabel-beband%2F-%2FA-50534888" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BeMaternity® - Be Band</a> ($18.99 </b>plus save 20% until 1/28)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found out I was pregnant at the beginning of May so most of my first trimester was during the thick of summer and it was HOT in Missouri this past summer. Not only was I hot, sweaty and sticky most days, but I experienced a lot of bloating. This meant that after I ate, I just wanted to unbutton my pants. That's when I found this lovely belly band that allowed me to do just that but still left me feeling secure and supported. I bought it in nude and wore it practically every single day. </div>
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<b>2. <a href="http://amzn.to/2lgO5gr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vitafusionâ„¢ Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies</a> ($6.99)</b></div>
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Prior to conception, I had a handful of prenatal vitamin samples. Most of the pills were fine, but taking a huge horse pill every day for the duration of a pregnancy was not something I was interested in. That's when I jumped on the gummy bandwagon and haven't turned back. </div>
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*<i>Just as a a note, iron cannot be gummified. If you are looking for a prenatal vitamin that also contains iron, gummy vitamins are not for you.</i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/5b8z4" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Need some help surviving the 1st trimester? Try out these products!</a></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>3. <a href="http://amzn.to/2kAkoYg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Advanced Repair Unscented</a> ($3.48)</b>)</div>
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Stretch marks - nobody wants them. You will hear and read all sorts of products and home remedies for stretch marks, however the one thing that stood out to me was that stretch marks heavily relied on genetics and how quickly you put on the weight or how quickly you stretch your skin. To date, I haven't had to deal with stretch marks (besides my thighs from when I was a kid) and mostly I can thank a healthy diet-ish and good genes. But my stretching skin was beyond irritated most days and extremely itchy. This sensitive, unscented lotion helped loads and I continue to slather it all over my body today. </div>
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<b>4. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fpoopourri-original-citrus-before-you-go-toilet-spray-2-0-fl-oz%2F-%2FA-50254175" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PooPourri Before You Go Toilet Spray</a> ($9.95)</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second half of my first trimester, <i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> and I were living in a tiny hotel and every scent made my stomach turn. Every. Single. Scent. And did I mention that the hotel room was tiny? The PooPourri spray helped a ton but then I became sick of that scent too. Sometimes you just can't win. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>5. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcelestial-seasonings-caffeine-free-peppermint-herbal-tea-20-ct%2F-%2FA-13327463" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Tea</a> ($2.44)</b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some evenings my stomach just didn't agree with me, but maybe that was due to all of the free food the hotel provided three nights a week. Between what I was eating and the feeling of being bloated all the time, I turned to peppermint tea. It definitely helped soothe an upset stomach and was comforting to drink.</div>
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<b>Aversions: </b>I could not for the life of me eat or cook with chicken. It was just an item that made my stomach turn. However, I was totally fine with chicken wings - probably because they were smothered in sauce. </div>
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<b>Cravings:</b> I didn't have many cravings but I really enjoyed oatmeal, bagels, soups, and floats (Pepsi and vanilla bean frozen yogurt). </div>
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As you can probably see from the list of products, I didn't deal with much nausea during the first trimester and I was pretty much able to live life as I did previously - without certain foods and drinks of course. If you've been pregnant or are currently pregnant, I'd love to know what products you loved during the first trimester. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109663236/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you tried any of these products?</span></b></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-71896396321177977292017-01-16T00:01:00.000-05:002017-10-06T11:03:25.991-04:00Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]<i>Raw vegan donut holes are a three-ingredient snack that can be enjoyed plain or with the added sweetness of a vegan coconut glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. As a bonus if you are pregnant, eating these can help aid in a more favorable delivery with a reduced need for induction or augmentation.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</span></i><br />
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<br />
Since entering my 34th week of pregnancy, I started eating dates like they were going out of style. To date (pun intended), I've listened to numerous birth stories on podcasts, watch dozens of birth vlogs on YouTube, and watched many episodes of The Midwives on BBC. I've learned that labor is intense and completely different for everyone. However, there was one thing that stood out to me while listening to the several podcasts - eating dates resulted in an 'easier' delivery.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gM01Do2mW1c/WH1e8qj63PI/AAAAAAAAJq4/i4XF3Xtmm7Mjng4hRibGSRNynG30TB4vwCLcB/s1600/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gM01Do2mW1c/WH1e8qj63PI/AAAAAAAAJq4/i4XF3Xtmm7Mjng4hRibGSRNynG30TB4vwCLcB/s640/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" title="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yeah, an easier delivery is definitely something I am interested in! I mean, wouldn't you?! That's when I started researching the benefits of eating dates during pregnancy. Here is what I found, but I definitely recommend you doing your own research and discussing with your medical provider - this is especially important if you have gestational diabetes.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfz4ZeXJGG4/WH1e4Oxma2I/AAAAAAAAJq0/ID88VKxmbIonR1hesA2P2zshCyQo_hKcgCEw/s1600/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfz4ZeXJGG4/WH1e4Oxma2I/AAAAAAAAJq0/ID88VKxmbIonR1hesA2P2zshCyQo_hKcgCEw/s640/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252818%2529.jpg" title="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eating six dates per day four weeks leading up to the expected due date has resulted in more cervical dilation upon admission to the hospital. It also has resulted in allowing the individual to go into spontaneous labor rather than having to be induced and a reduced need for augmentation (oxytocin/pitocin). And eating dates have also been known to shorten the first stage of labor. This means, eating six dates per day four weeks leading up to the expected due date can create a more favorable delivery with less interventions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZfNK_BckZU/WH1fEXMLqjI/AAAAAAAAJq8/eaqN6PyaFKwNnDQrMPEgHuu3SIniZ3AvgCLcB/s1600/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZfNK_BckZU/WH1fEXMLqjI/AAAAAAAAJq8/eaqN6PyaFKwNnDQrMPEgHuu3SIniZ3AvgCLcB/s640/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25283%2529.jpg" title="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I know every pregnancy is different and every labor is different, but if I only need to eat six dates per day I am willing to give it a try.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/fBUaL" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Eating these can help aid in an easier delivery!</a></blockquote>
I slowly introduced dates by eating four per day starting at 34 weeks. I ate them plain and I dipped them in peanut butter. Then at 35 weeks, I upped my intake to five dates per day. It was getting harder and harder for me to stomach dates alone or dipped in peanut butter. That's when I made these raw vegan donut holes that I could pop in my mouth throughout the day. At 36 weeks pregnant, I started eating six dates per day - a few dates were consumed plain, a few through the raw vegan donut holes, and a few blended into smoothies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtFeFbVzIls/WH1fJe_k44I/AAAAAAAAJrA/a55byi1U9AIL1au6Ap_Aq-1n5-kYyLVgACLcB/s1600/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtFeFbVzIls/WH1fJe_k44I/AAAAAAAAJrA/a55byi1U9AIL1au6Ap_Aq-1n5-kYyLVgACLcB/s640/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252815%2529.jpg" title="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm excited to see the outcome of eating dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy and I will keep you all updated with the results!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/917iX" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Raw vegan donut holes are a three-ingredient snack that can be enjoyed as a quick snack.</a></blockquote>
If you are not pregnant and totally did not follow along, it's okay. These raw vegan donut holes are delicious and can DEFINITELY be eaten while not pregnant. In fact, I urge you to make these as a quick afternoon pick-me-up or as a simply fast breakfast. You won't regret it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ct_MCiMxhds/WH1fQB2AxaI/AAAAAAAAJrE/osPipUqmCbkG2SlxrYSza5rh6UpuTjBsgCLcB/s1600/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ct_MCiMxhds/WH1fQB2AxaI/AAAAAAAAJrE/osPipUqmCbkG2SlxrYSza5rh6UpuTjBsgCLcB/s640/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25288%2529.jpg" title="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Raw Vegan Donut Holes</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Yield: <span class="yield">12 donut holes</span><br />
<span class="yield">Serving Size: 2 donut holes</span><br />
<div class="nutrition">
Nutrition per serving: <span class="calories">148 Calories | 16 g Carbs | 7 g Fat | 5 g Protein | 5 g Sugar</span><br />
<span class="calories"><br /></span></div>
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2/3 cup</span>
<span class="name">Cashews, soaked in water for at least 60 minutes</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2lgAOnO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="amount">6 </span>
</a><span class="name"><a href="http://amzn.to/2lgAOnO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pitted Dates</a>, soaked in 1/4 cup hot water for at least 60 minutes</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2/3 cup</span>
<span class="name">Rolled Oats</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">Pinch</span>
<span class="name">Salt</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Soak cashews in water for at least 60 minutes and soak pitted dates in 1/4 cup hot water for at least 60 minutes.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Drain cashews.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/164775/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fkitchenaid-7-cup-food-processor-kfp0711%2F-%2FA-14830678" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">food processor</a>, blend cashews, dates with water, rolled oats, and salt until a thick dough ball has formed.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Hand roll out 12 balls, each the size of a tablespoon.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!
</li>
<li class="instruction">
*Optional: dust with powdered sugar or make a vegan coconut milk glaze.
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X24N1aH7XLU/WH1fWBK8ItI/AAAAAAAAJrI/Nd_VqSHxNR49KbKL1cVGKpCpgXfS7KqigCLcB/s1600/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X24N1aH7XLU/WH1fWBK8ItI/AAAAAAAAJrI/Nd_VqSHxNR49KbKL1cVGKpCpgXfS7KqigCLcB/s640/raw-vegan-donut-holes%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Raw Vegan Donut Holes [Eat These During Pregnancy To Have A More Favorable Delivery]" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite type of raw ball?</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Are you currently pregnant? Will you be eating dates near the end of your pregnancy?</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109619033/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></i></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-40106833042095696202017-01-10T10:00:00.000-05:002017-01-11T13:35:04.741-05:00Three Steps Towards A Toxin-Free Home<i>It's a new year with new beginnings. Start your year off right by converting your home to a toxin-free home. This isn't something that needs to be done overnight, but you can follow these three steps to get you started with a toxin-free home. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</span></i><br />
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<br />
At the start of every new year, it's a chance for a new beginning. Whether you are starting a new fitness journey, personal growth journey, or health journey (I talked loads about resolutions when I shared my <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2017/01/candied-almonds.html" target="_blank">candied almonds recipe</a>), the beginning of a year is a fresh start.<br />
<br />
Since <i style="font-weight: bold;">A</i> and I are expecting <i style="font-weight: bold;">Baby Girl</i> very, very soon, I've had a chance to reflect upon all of the toxins that can be found in our home. There are so many products that I use everyday that are filled with pure chemicals. They can't be good for our health and definitely won't be good for our newborn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8sr4O01bUA/WHQw5eoBtOI/AAAAAAAAJo0/im3NrQ7Neo80ZTsSXm25C_cgiH9tlC84QCLcB/s1600/toxin-free-home%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Three Steps Towards A Toxin-Free Home | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8sr4O01bUA/WHQw5eoBtOI/AAAAAAAAJo0/im3NrQ7Neo80ZTsSXm25C_cgiH9tlC84QCLcB/s640/toxin-free-home%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Three Steps Towards A Toxin-Free Home | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ever since becoming a subscriber with <a href="http://influencer-tracking.grove.co/SFgr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grove Collaborative</a>, I have been able to experiment with a ton of new products - some of my favorites being the natural cleaning products from brands like Mrs. Meyers and Method. Plus the convenience of Grove Collaborative is that they remember my favorite products so I don't fear running out of them. Each shipment is totally customizable and I only get what I want - I wish everything in life was that easy!<br />
<br />
Join me in starting the new year out right by creating a toxin-free home. With just these three simple steps you are well on your way for creating a healthier environment for you and your family, which will likely lead to more happiness.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/wGfev" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Follow these three steps to get you started with a toxin-free home.</a></blockquote>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cleaning Products</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Have you ever read the label on your favorite cleaning products. The smell alone is usually enough to tell you that these products can't be any good for us. There is an easy solution to using toxin-free cleaning products. Seventh Generation has many natural cleaning products or you can even make your own using vinegar or essential oils. When making your own cleaning products, I'd highly recommend using a glass spray bottle over a plastic one.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shower Liners</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If the budget doesn't allow for an entire bathroom remodel to install fancy glass doors for your shower or tub, swap out those vinyl shower curtains for fabric. The smell of a new vinyl shower curtain tends to stick around for several weeks thanks to VOCs. Plus the nice thing about a fabric shower liner is that they can easily be washed multiple times.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Candles</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I have always been a fan of candles and I love having my house smell lovely. Candles bring a sense of warmth to a home and every time we have moved in the past, they help make me feel a home quicker. However, traditional candles are filled with dangerous benzene chemicals. You can easily swap out those chemical-filled candles for soy-based candles or diffuse some essential oils.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OrAizZABA8/WHQw90-ClOI/AAAAAAAAJo4/MRJ6UVGVz2oF4KdMB6pCtcf-KowpdL07wCLcB/s1600/toxin-free-home%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Three Steps Towards A Toxin-Free Home | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9OrAizZABA8/WHQw90-ClOI/AAAAAAAAJo4/MRJ6UVGVz2oF4KdMB6pCtcf-KowpdL07wCLcB/s640/toxin-free-home%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Three Steps Towards A Toxin-Free Home | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Grove Collaborative wants to help you start your year toxin-free by offering <a href="http://influencer-tracking.grove.co/SFgr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new customers </a></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Free Grove Collaborative Cleaning Caddy</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Free Grove Glass Spray Bottle</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Free Grove Collaborative Walnut Scrubber Sponges</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Free Now Essential Oil (orange)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Value of over $40!</span></em></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And if you are an </span><a href="http://influencer-tracking.grove.co/SFjX" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">existing customer,</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> you can receive free Grove Collaborative Walnut Scrubber Sponges. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To receive this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20 - <a href="http://influencer-tracking.grove.co/SFgr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sign up here</a>. This offer ends Tuesday, January 17th and supplies are limited. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>How do you make your home toxin-free?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Do you make any homemade cleaning products?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>PIN for later.</b></span></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-53429131198353240152017-01-03T00:01:00.000-05:002017-10-06T11:02:12.668-04:00Candied Almonds<i>Almonds are chock-full of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. They make for a great snack to help reduce hunger and promote weight loss. Take those tasty almonds and coat them in sweet cinnamon sugar and you have a delicious snack. Best yet, make a large batch and throw extras in the freezer to snack on later or to put on top of salads. </i><br />
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Happy 2017! I hope you all had a fun and safe welcome into the New Year and that this year is one of your best years yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMdoadPgAdA/WGrjl6-ZooI/AAAAAAAAJoA/ZM8Fe6qt5BswMMDBonNEj1INF8V0G8NBwCLcB/s1600/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMdoadPgAdA/WGrjl6-ZooI/AAAAAAAAJoA/ZM8Fe6qt5BswMMDBonNEj1INF8V0G8NBwCLcB/s640/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252811%2529.jpg" title="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The turn of each new year is a great time to reflect on your past and focus on future goals. I know there are loads of you out there making fitness/health goals, educational goals, family planning goals, and life journey goals. I too set aside some time to really get a good grasp on what I want to get out of 2017.<br />
<br />
This year will be a year to remember - but so has the past several years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6-x9AJu5ww/WGrjqu5R4JI/AAAAAAAAJoE/V7d4_8nWDnMhSNK8wOTJhlaarHu7JsFgQCLcB/s1600/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6-x9AJu5ww/WGrjqu5R4JI/AAAAAAAAJoE/V7d4_8nWDnMhSNK8wOTJhlaarHu7JsFgQCLcB/s640/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In 2011, I married the love of my life and moved from Michigan to California so that we could live a <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2015/02/the-perfect-marriage.html" target="_blank">happily married life</a>. And in 2012, we moved from Northern California to Indiana for <i style="font-weight: bold;">A's</i> job. Then in 2013 we purchased our first home in Indiana. <br />
<br />
2015 took us from <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2015/02/we-are-moving-east-coast-here-we-come.html" target="_blank">Indiana to Maryland</a>, where we <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2015/03/selling-your-house-fast.html" target="_blank">purchased our second home</a>. And last year, we moved once more. This time from Maryland to Missouri and <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2016/10/three-steps-selling-house.html" target="_blank">purchased our third home</a>.<br />
<br />
2016 was also the year that we found out we were expecting our first baby - <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2016/09/big-news.html" target="_blank">a baby girl</a>! <i style="font-weight: bold;">Baby Girl</i> is expected to make her grand appearance in February, and this will be one of the many great events that will take place this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiSaFRl2OEc/WGrjv1VMbuI/AAAAAAAAJoI/YI8XRVz2-loDOUmMZ1L1tDI0y_fLVxgtACLcB/s1600/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yiSaFRl2OEc/WGrjv1VMbuI/AAAAAAAAJoI/YI8XRVz2-loDOUmMZ1L1tDI0y_fLVxgtACLcB/s640/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" title="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So to start the year out, I am planning and prepping for <i style="font-weight: bold;">Baby Girl's</i> arrival. The house is being cleaned and organized, and the freezer is being packed with ready-made items. One of these freezer items include delicious candied almonds.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/2GsDx" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Almonds are full of healthy fats & fiber. They also promote weight loss.</a></blockquote>
Several months ago I shared the recipe for <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/2015/11/easy-and-inexpensive-hostess-gift-idea.html" target="_blank">gebrannte mandeln</a>, translating to candied almonds from German. They are so tasty as a snack that I eat them by the handful, but they are also really great on salads. Plus they fare extremely well in the freezer so you can make a big batch and just throw them in the freezer for future use. And let's not forget that almonds contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. They can reduce hunger and promote weight loss - we can just forget they are coated in sugary goodness!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tj3fOm-ppP4/WGrj0vLfWlI/AAAAAAAAJoM/sRpZ9-yoFikuSd6YaMWSS3XTmWrkzkaCgCLcB/s1600/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tj3fOm-ppP4/WGrj0vLfWlI/AAAAAAAAJoM/sRpZ9-yoFikuSd6YaMWSS3XTmWrkzkaCgCLcB/s640/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="item">
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<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Candied Almonds</b></span></div>
<div class="fn">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons</span>
<span class="name">Water</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup + 1/3 cup</span>
<span class="name">Granulated Sugar, separated</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Ground Cinnamon</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">12 ounces</span>
<span class="name">Raw Almonds</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Using a dutch oven, bring water and 1 cup sugar to a boil over medium heat
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Add almonds and stir, stir, stir
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Once the water has dissolved and the sugar starts to stick to the almond (roughly 5-8 minutes, or longer), add vanilla extract and remaining sugar
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir for another 1-3 minutes until sugar is to your desired clumpiness or smoothness
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Pour onto silpat and allow to cool completely
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRyCftSZxFQ/WGrj8xEfvDI/AAAAAAAAJoU/dVFwCGbYLKYvEllSr5clse-4sffcOZ6rQCLcB/s1600/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRyCftSZxFQ/WGrj8xEfvDI/AAAAAAAAJoU/dVFwCGbYLKYvEllSr5clse-4sffcOZ6rQCLcB/s640/candied-almonds%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%252810%2529.jpg" title="candied almonds | www.atravelingwife.com | a-traveling-wife" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Did you make any New Year's resolutions?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What are some of your favorite ready-made freezer items?</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">PIN this recipe for later. </span></i></b></div>
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-36749221759953213752016-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:002017-12-19T17:21:12.564-05:00Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread<i>Start your morning with an extremely moist banana nut bread that is super simple to make. This banana nut loaf comes out perfectly every time and it's a great way to use up all those overly ripe bananas. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</i></span><br />
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I have always been a sucker for banana nut bread. Warm up a slice, smear it with a little bit of butter, and serve it with a hot cup of coffee - that is perfection to me. However, there are loads and loads of banana nut bread recipes all over the internet.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ4T2_XMwLA/WFhtN1c8tFI/AAAAAAAAJl0/gAh9te96gGcarLLKtBJmhuK292sDOpEXQCLcB/s1600/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ4T2_XMwLA/WFhtN1c8tFI/AAAAAAAAJl0/gAh9te96gGcarLLKtBJmhuK292sDOpEXQCLcB/s640/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of those recipes incorporate multiple sticks of butter or cups and cups of sugar. Both of those items I try to keep to a minimum when I am baking or cooking. But those of you that have been baking for some time know the importance of butter and sugar to create the perfect recipe. In fact, that's the type of banana nut bread I grew up eating and loving.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lVxPK40Aio/WFhtSm9DYNI/AAAAAAAAJl4/IJbGsCh19CAqAyJ51Il5uMNCEqOIN9XyACLcB/s1600/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lVxPK40Aio/WFhtSm9DYNI/AAAAAAAAJl4/IJbGsCh19CAqAyJ51Il5uMNCEqOIN9XyACLcB/s640/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25289%2529.jpg" title="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've played around with several recipes and I have successfully been able to reduce the amount of refined sugar and butter by at least half, compared to other popular banana nut bread recipes. Yep - half the amount of added sugar and half the amount of butter and yet it's still the moistest banana nut bread I have EVER eaten.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5DuZYJrPfY/WFhtXvhblLI/AAAAAAAAJl8/RCLQrAYs6yMRV386LmaYn5otsqURhlungCLcB/s1600/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5DuZYJrPfY/WFhtXvhblLI/AAAAAAAAJl8/RCLQrAYs6yMRV386LmaYn5otsqURhlungCLcB/s640/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I know you'd rather be the judge to determine if this banana nut bread is extremely moist, so you'll have to make the recipe for yourself. My number one trick for ensuring an extremely moist banana nut loaf is to not whip the butter. Mixing it in with the other ingredients will leave the butter slightly chunky, but that will yield the moistest possible banana nut bread.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxyVJ19FlCw/WFhtb-r_QkI/AAAAAAAAJmA/lqvRW04THpwThUicrXS-P3A8hcjhFqzPQCLcB/s1600/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxyVJ19FlCw/WFhtb-r_QkI/AAAAAAAAJmA/lqvRW04THpwThUicrXS-P3A8hcjhFqzPQCLcB/s640/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread</b></span></div>
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Cook time: <span class="cooktime">40+ minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">10 slices</span><br />
<div class="nutrition">
Nutrition per slice: <span class="calories">195 Calories | 28 g Carbs | 8 g Fat | 4 g Protein | 12 g Sugar</span></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">3 large</span>
<span class="name">Very Ripe Bananas, frozen then thawed bananas work best</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">4 tablespoons</span>
<span class="name">Butter, at room temperature</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">1/4 cup plain Applesauce</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 large</span>
<span class="name">Eggs, at room temperature</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 - 1/2 cup </span>
<span class="name">Sugar</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Vanilla Extract</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Salt</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 teaspoon</span>
<span class="name">Baking Soda</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup </span>
<span class="name">All Purpose Flour (whole wheat works great too)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/3 cup</span>
<span class="name">Chopped Nuts, either walnuts are pecans are tasty</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Using a stand mixer, mix bananas until they are mushy then mix in butter and applesauce until well incorporated. *Remember, butter will be slightly chunky and that's perfect.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Add in eggs and mix until combined then mix in sugar and vanilla extract.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix in salt, baking soda, and flour until dough has formed.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Slowly stir in chopped nuts.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Place dough in a grease 9 1/2 x 5 inch loaf pan and bake for 40+ minutes.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Check to see if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the bread. If the toothpick comes out without any dough on it, then the bread is done. Continue to bake if the toothpick comes out with raw dough.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
*Depending on the wetness of the dough and the environment in the house will determine how long this bread will bake. I've had several loaves be completed in the 4o minutes and other loaves took almost 60 minutes. Just keep your eye on the bread.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Allow bread to cool completely. Cut and serve.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dB0szAspelE/WFhthk4x3AI/AAAAAAAAJmE/BmCZYhkOfTkxyYNFpcOoGCeHDNZ-Eus3gCLcB/s1600/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dB0szAspelE/WFhthk4x3AI/AAAAAAAAJmE/BmCZYhkOfTkxyYNFpcOoGCeHDNZ-Eus3gCLcB/s640/banana-bread%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" title="Extremely Moist Banana Nut Bread | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/If934" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Try this extremely moist banana nut bread bit.ly/moistbanananutbread It has 50% less butter & sugar than other recipes</a>.</blockquote>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Are you a fan of banana nut bread?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you like to smear on top of your banana nut bread?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you completed all of your holiday shopping?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109433892/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>.</span></b></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-18954522019495221312016-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:002017-10-06T10:59:34.808-04:00Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs<i>The holidays can be a very dangerous time of year for our pets. Between the Christmas tree and all the food that is set out for gatherings, we need to keep our pets in mind. Offer your furry, four-legged friend Blueberry Banana Cake Balls - safe for dogs and humans alike. </i><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">**CLOSED** Be sure to read until the end for your chance to win a $100 gift card to </b><a href="http://www.swansonvitamins.com/" rel="nofollow" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Swanson Health Products.</a><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*O</b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>pen to United States and Canadian residents, excluding Quebec.</b></span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"> </span><i><b>A huge thank you to Swanson for providing the gift card for this giveaway. </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.</i></span></div>
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It is the season of giving, but be careful before you give your pup some goodies off the snack table. There are plenty of food items that are often offered during this time of year that are dangerous and/or toxic of our furry friends. For example, if a fruit and cheese platter is set out, don't be tempted to offer your dog some grapes. Also, those cookies - yeah, chocolate is toxic to dogs. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gEsQdI17Ks/WFHQLJoSd3I/AAAAAAAAJko/YXKzMD08TqQCTuO4jA4fuG5yzyYZKNgOgCLcB/s1600/blueberry-banana-cake-balls%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gEsQdI17Ks/WFHQLJoSd3I/AAAAAAAAJko/YXKzMD08TqQCTuO4jA4fuG5yzyYZKNgOgCLcB/s640/blueberry-banana-cake-balls%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25285%2529.jpg" title="Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not only can the food options be dangerous, but it can be a hazard to have our pets hanging around during large gatherings. I remember a few years ago, we brought our pup to a family Christmas Eve party. She loves to be in the kitchen in hopes of getting any spills - she acts as though we don't feed her! Well as the ham was coming out of the oven, Roxi was standing right next to the oven door and received a nice hot ham juice shower. </div>
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Luckily, she didn't get hurt. She did spend the next several hours trying to lick off all the ham juice. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFBTkJGYrgQ/WFHQPT-FxkI/AAAAAAAAJks/a3WK7tYh9fg1eflErDsqW1AwKgKPo-pZwCLcB/s1600/blueberry-banana-cake-balls%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFBTkJGYrgQ/WFHQPT-FxkI/AAAAAAAAJks/a3WK7tYh9fg1eflErDsqW1AwKgKPo-pZwCLcB/s640/blueberry-banana-cake-balls%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are still having the urge to involve your furry friends in your holiday festivities, then make sure they have some goodies that are safe for them. These blueberry banana cake balls are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are safe for both humans and pups. The recipe makes quite a few cake balls, but they are freezer friendly so you can have them on hand all year long. Just make sure to thaw them completely before offering them to your pup. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6uogqKMLUU/WFHQUcMo7pI/AAAAAAAAJkw/N-H2xXKBiUYuaZrb91dXiwgH-8ufX7CgQCLcB/s1600/blueberry-banana-cake-balls%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs | www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6uogqKMLUU/WFHQUcMo7pI/AAAAAAAAJkw/N-H2xXKBiUYuaZrb91dXiwgH-8ufX7CgQCLcB/s640/blueberry-banana-cake-balls%2B%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs | www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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And if you want to make these, be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a $100 gift card to <a href="http://www.swansonvitamins.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swanson Health Products</a>. You can purchase the oatmeal, or plenty of other food items to stock your pantry. One of my other favorite items to purchase from Swanson are essential oils. I'm addicted to peppermint oil.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ctt.ec/OaxoK" target="_blank">Click to tweet: Make your pet Blueberry Banana Cake Balls this holiday!</a></blockquote>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Banana Cake Balls Safe For Dogs</span></b></div>
<div>
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Total time: <span class="duration">15 minutes</span><br />
Yield: <span class="yield">32 pup cake balls</span><br />
<span class="yield"><br /></span>
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">Frozen Blueberries, thawed</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 large</span>
<span class="name">Banana, very ripe</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">Water</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 cups</span>
<span class="name">Oats</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a blender (this <a href="http://amzn.to/2lgMHub" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ninja</a> is my favorite), blend together the thawed blueberries, banana, and water.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Pour in a large mixing bowl and stir in oats until well combined.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Press or squeeze mixture into small balls. I used a 1/2 tablespoon to ensure they were all the same size. (Note: the balls will not roll in your hand without falling apart. It is best to squeeze the mixture until it forms a ball).
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Place cake balls on a lined and grease baking sheet.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake for 9 minutes and allow to cool completely before serving.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Leftover cake balls can be stored in the refrigerator or for a longer period of time in the freezer. Please ensure that the cake balls are completely thawed prior to offering them to your dog.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!
</li>
</ol>
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<a class="e-widget generic-loader no-button xdga" href="https://gleam.io/nkVvZ/a-traveling-wife-swanson-health-products-winter-giveaway" rel="nofollow">A Traveling Wife & Swanson Health Products Winter Giveaway</a>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you make any special treats for your furry friends during the holiday season?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Have you heard of Swanson Health Products before?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109433933/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </span></i></b></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481098359412873055.post-32533985245084413802016-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:002017-10-06T10:58:41.613-04:00Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread<i>Save yourself the hassle of making a formal meal this holiday season. Instead, line up your table with loads of appetizers and snacks. One great option is this sweet and savory cranberry and nut cheese spread. Recipe below!</i><br />
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I don't know about your family, but Christmas parties for my family usually involve a lot of food grazing. Food spreads usually include cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies, dips, breads, crackers, and let's not forget the cookies. There are so many items to pick at and fill up on without any of the hassle of throwing together a formal meal.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1JmmM021IU/WE83XgVs5oI/AAAAAAAAJkE/kGZg7fiUMb41PIo3afpQEltxKcenG6JuACLcB/s1600/cranberry-and-nut-cheese-spread%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread | http://www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1JmmM021IU/WE83XgVs5oI/AAAAAAAAJkE/kGZg7fiUMb41PIo3afpQEltxKcenG6JuACLcB/s640/cranberry-and-nut-cheese-spread%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread | http://www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dishes are typically smaller - either paper plates or napkins usually do the trick. This means less time cleaning dishes and more space in the dishwasher.<br />
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I'm always trying to come up with new appetizer ideas during the holidays. It's never a good idea to stray too far into unknown territory unless you allow yourself plenty of time to test out the recipe on yourself. There's nothing worse than hosting or showing up to a party with a flop of a dish!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJK6el25KM/WE83TzhYexI/AAAAAAAAJkA/QEdKmlTym68oiRK1sl7lMfKPUNLRxKfMQCLcB/s1600/cranberry-and-nut-cheese-spread%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread | http://www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJK6el25KM/WE83TzhYexI/AAAAAAAAJkA/QEdKmlTym68oiRK1sl7lMfKPUNLRxKfMQCLcB/s640/cranberry-and-nut-cheese-spread%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25283%2529.jpg" title="Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread | http://www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luckily for you, this sweet and savory cranberry and nut cheese spread will do the trick for any upcoming party. Heck, it makes for a great early or late lunch - that's what <i>A</i> and I do all the time. Pair this warm cheese with your favorite crusty bread or crackers and allow your guests to go to town. I guarantee you there won't be any left on the plate within just a few minutes.<br />
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<div class="fn">
<span class="item" style="font-size: large;"><b>Cranberry and Nut Cheese Spread </b></span></div>
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<div class="author">
Recipe by <a href="http://www.atravelingwife.com/" target="_blank">a traveling Wife</a></div>
Total time: <span class="duration">7-10 minutes</span><br />
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<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">your favorite </span>
<span class="name"><a href="http://www.boursin.com/en_us/Products/Boursin-R-Cheese" target="_blank">Boursin Cheese</a> (I used Cranberry and Spice in these photos but the Pepper cheese is amazing too)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">handful</span>
<span class="name">Dried Cranberries</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">handful</span>
<span class="name">Chopped Walnuts or Pecans</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">drizzle</span>
<span class="name">Honey</span>
</li>
</ul>
<u>Cooking Directions</u><br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Unwrap your Boursin cheese and place on lined baking sheet or in a oven safe ramekin.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Top cheese with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and drizzle with honey.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake until thoroughly warmed through - about 7 minutes.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Serve warm with your favorite crusty bread or crackers.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Enjoy!
</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZlGbOZEPiM/WE83kan-rxI/AAAAAAAAJkM/dIjUJnmGrJoX3WIQe7AlqN_KqCFYbQ4qwCLcB/s1600/cranberry-and-nut-cheese-spread%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread | http://www.atravelingwife.com" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZlGbOZEPiM/WE83kan-rxI/AAAAAAAAJkM/dIjUJnmGrJoX3WIQe7AlqN_KqCFYbQ4qwCLcB/s640/cranberry-and-nut-cheese-spread%2B_%2Bwww.atravelingwife.com%2B_%2Ba-traveling-wife%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Cranberry And Nut Cheese Spread | http://www.atravelingwife.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's your favorite appetizer to have during the holidays?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you like sweet or savory cheese spreads?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you completed all of your holiday shopping yet?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134404370109434030/" target="_blank">PIN for later</a>. </span></b></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13673033206542527050noreply@blogger.com0