5 Favorite Summertime Snacks For Toddlers

You guys, this week it has gotten up to 114.  Degrees.  This is how we have spent the summer so far:

Playing with outside toys..inside.  Much like this time as well. 

Swinging on the back porch (surprisingly she begs me to do this, multiple times a day).

Hosing down.

Sending her and her dad over to the neighbors' pool every.single.day.  Our neighbors --> the best.

Inevitably we are in serious need of some cold treats around here, so I thought I'd share with you some of my favorites lately!

1. Homemade Popsicles 

(see first picture)

I bought this popsicle maker at my local Fry's grocery store for $3.99.  It has definitely paid for itself in its very greatness. Mia loves the pops especially after we spend 5 minutes outside in the shaded heat of the desert. And they are the perfect little size for her.

One of her favorite combos: Blueberries, strawberries, banana, peaches, and milk.

2. Smoothies

Ok this is very similar to the popsicles...but they deserve to be on the list too. I love sneaking nutrient-rich veggies like spinach into Mia's smoothies because the more nutrients a veggie has, the less likely Mia is to want to eat them (as a general rule).  :)

I make sure to put plenty of sweet fruit in there - especially never skipping the banana - when the spinach goes in there.  She gulps it down.

Here are some of my favorite combos (which can also be used as pops too!)

Green Strawberry-Banana:

Strawberries / Banana / Milk / Cinnamon / Spinach / Ice

Protein Mixed-Berry:

Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Banana, Plain Greek 2% Yogurt

PB-Berry:

Blueberries, Strawberries, Banana, Peanut Butter, Milk

Chocolate Avocado:

Extra ripe banana, milk, cocoa powder, avocado, ice

3.  Frozen Blueberries {Straight Up}

Ok so this isn't quite a "complete" snack, but I was introduced to letting Mia eat frozen blueberries lately and I love it so much - especially in the summer!  It means I can buy a huge bag of already frozen, or a huge container of fresh if they're on sale, and pull out a handful for a great cold treat.

My teeth are super sensitive to cold so I never considered it, but Mia loves them.  Which means I love them.

4.  Ants On a Log {toddler version}

Apparently I have a little ant-eater on my hands

Since Mia only has seven front teeth, celery isn't quite the easiest to eat except to just chew on.  Therefore, I sub the celery for banana and voila.

And bonus tip if you don't know already: bananas break easily into thirds the long way.   Bing. Bang. Boom.

5. Frozen Yogurt-Filled Raspberries

Thanks to Pinterest, this one is also a new favorite. If this doesn't scream "I'm still on my first child and have time for things like filling individual raspberries with tiny dollops of yogurt"  I don't know what does.  Nevertheless...they are great, bite-size treats.

Ok friends, if you have any other suggestions I'd love to hear them in the comments!  Stay cool out there and have a great week!

And check out other great Faves at Mama Knows!

Five One-Piece Swimsuits Under $50!

Hello from the new-to-me world of stay at home motherhood! 

After finishing a big furniture rehab project (post to come), planning and throwing a bridal shower for a good friend, and doing random things all day that I swear keep me busy but have no tangible outcome, I decided it was time for my annual "one-new-swimsuit-for-the-season" search.

Early you might think? Noo..it's never too early.

But, one thing has changed this year.  I'm finally taking the plunge into the one-piece swimsuit category.  

Not because I'm self conscious about my body or think I won't look ok in a bikini; Not because I am going to start dressing like "a mom;" but because of a thought I've had for years (that - "I feel like I'm wearing my bra and underwear in public, anyone else? no?" thought), and a video I watched about 8 months ago, that I'm sure you've seen or heard about, that finally convinced me to change how I "suited up", at least in public.

My friend and fellow-blogger Aubrey over at Parenting the Pipsqueak wrote a post about modesty last June with the video linked also, so I definitely have her to thank for indirectly showing it to me!

I'm not going to get into the modesty discussion right now, but since there are many reasons a girl needs a good one-piece, I thought I'd share some great, budget-friendly finds from the online shopping kick I was on this weekend!   (Warning: Healthy Happy Home is fa-har from a fashion blog.)  

And with that:

1.

J.Crew's Watercolor Ruched Halter Tank

On sale for $44.99!

I love the colors of this one, and the ruched halter.  And since it's J.Crew you know it's great quality.

2.
Land's End Paisley Bandeau Tunic Top 
On sale starting at $45.50!
I'm not an expert but I think tunic tops are so flattering - they totally elongate your torso, and this one also has the ruched sides which are also super flattering.

3.
Loft's Colorblock Bandeau
Originally $79.50 but their 40% Off Sale right now (4peeps is the online discount code) brings it to
$47.70!
Once again, I'm not an expert, but the white stripe totally accentuates the smallest part of her torso. Aka. it looks great.

4 .
Loft's Striped Tie Waist One-Piece
Same as above...$44.70 after you use the online discount code!
I love, love blouson / tie waist suits.  What a great idea for when you don't want the suit to be skin tight but you still want to look cute.

5. 
Old Navy's Black and White Print Swimsuit
$29.94
I'm a big fan of the halter tie, and I've "heard" that black swimsuits are in this season.

BONUS: #6.
I love the blouson tops so much, I had to add another one . It's super simple, but as shown in the picture, it goes great with a different color / patterned bottom that you probably already have, and is, say it with me, "So flattering."  

Land's End Scoopneck Blouson Tankini Top
On sale for $55.20, a tiny bit over our $50 goal, but hey - it's a staple if you ask me!  Especially for moms like me who plan on getting pregnant again and living that "secretly pregnant," look, to the early "I'm pregnant but it just look like I gained $10 lbs" look, to the "I just had a baby" look at some time or another. Just sayin. :)

I hope you like these picks, and find a great suit for this summer's beach and pool-side fun!  I'm linking up with Hallie over at Moxy Wife - now go and check out the other 5 Favorites!

5 Favorites Vol.3: Podcasts

If you are my husband, co-worker or friend in person, you have probably heard me utter the words,

"So I was listening to this podcast the other day.."
"Oh!  This reminds me of something I heard on a podcast once."
"I learned on a podcast that.."

I love me some podcasts.

I consider myself a constant learner.  An ADD constant learner.  I will be totally engrossed in a subject for an entire day or week, and then completely switch, usually half-way through a book / website / blog / podcast.  There is just so much to learn!!.. I tell my husband who I just "know" finds this part of me endearing.

Right honey?

Anyway, I thought I would share with you guys my favorite podcasts in case you haven't heard of them, and/or you are looking for a new way to be entertained / educated / feeling productive during down time.

(By the way, my favorite times to listen: in the car, out for walks with Mia, and doing chores around my house.  When a new podcast is aired for one of these I usually immediately pick up Mia and say "Do you want to go for a walk??" 

 She readily obliges  Listening and strolling the neighborhood with this kid is my current favorite activity.)


1.  The Simple Mom Podcast

This podcast is hosted by a blogger / writer named Tsh (not a typo, pronounced phonetically) who pretty much calls up a friend of hers (usually another blogger / writer), and they talk about absolutely anything - kids, family, traveling, favorite things, blogging and writing books, what they're reading, organization, marriage, etc.

She has 3 (I think?) kids and I consider her like a mom mentor who I can sit with and listen to her talk about life.  She is super wise and humble, and also founded the multi-writer blog www.simplemom.net, which covers all sorts of topics but has an undertone of keeping your life simple and the important things at the forefront.

2.  The EntreLeadership Podcast

This is one my fellow co-workers are probably annoyed about the most because it's usually where I get all of my work, managing people, and leadership inspiration and tips.  It is basically about Dave Ramsey's company and the culture, policies, norms, expectations etc. they have created to make work an awesome, successful place to be.  There are also guest interviewees on each podcast that also cover similar topics.

It is great for the entrepreneurs out there too..totally motivating to go start your own business, and be altogether awesome.

3. New Moms, New Babies & PregTASTIC Online Radio

These two podcasts are pretty much one in the same - they are a group of women, often the same ones in each podcast at a different stage in their motherhood, talking about what their podcast names would imply - PregTASTIC is all about pregnancy, and New Moms, New Babies is all about new motherhood, and everything having to do with babies during the first year.

Even though I am a card-carrying member of a mommy group, this is like being a part of another one that you can tune into anytime (until you have run out of episodes at least).  There are often guest experts on to answer questions, or birth story episodes...all of these were particularly great for me to listen to before I had the baby.  

4. Dollars and Roses Podcast

This one is a very new podcast, but I have really enjoyed it and learn a lot from it. It is a husband and wife blogging team who interview other bloggers about their success in blogging, and some episodes are just their own blogging tips.  They are super successful bloggers, and while I understand blogging (and the road to blogging success) to be much different for every type of blogger out there, I have really enjoyed their take on things.

5. Freakonomics Radio

This one is a must-listen for any podcast listeners out there.  If you don't know what the book "Freakonomics" is about, you also need to check that out too.  Whoa.  What an eye opener.

I really like this podcast because they are sometimes short and sweet, and sometimes a little longer, but I *always* walk away learning something so interesting I need to talk about it with the nearest human being.  They take things in life and have the resources and connections to get the back story, extra details, etc. that make you think about life and how the world works totally differently.  At the very least I would look them up and download one episode with a subject you find intriguing.

And there you have it - my five favorite podcasts.  Grab one of these, and as Tsh sometimes says at the beginning of Simple Mom...get your laundry basket and start folding.

Let me know if you have any podcast suggestions - I'd love to hear them!!

And of course, don't forget to go check out all the other Favorites over at Hallie's!

5 Faves Vol. 2: Healthy Oatmeal Recipes

Thanks Grace for hosting the 5 Favorites link-up this week!!

Ok, these aren't so much recipes as the are, how-you-sayy, "combos", but here they are nonetheless. Oatmeal is a major staple in my food regimen - I eat it for breakfast 5-6 times a week plus 2 eggs and about a cup of fruit.

What a huge breakfast.  I know!  People - it's the most important meal of the day.  (And, I'm breastfeeding and count this as some of my extra calories for the day.)

Anyway - 2 problems often arise with people + oatmeal: either A) they don't eat it because they think it is bland, or B) they add tons of brown sugary type toppings and/or eat too much for a major carb overload.

Well, here are my favorite ways to eat oatmeal, and they are (in my humble opinion) A) great tasting, and B) great alternatives to the high-sugar variety.

And since I aim to please - I am adding a 6th bonus!  Last week when I was talking to my husband about this post I was preparing for (by eating each recipe of course) he insisted I include HIS new favorite way to eat oatmeal.  Maybe he should get his own blog!  Er,,, see below for the bonus!

Before we get started, this is my basic oatmeal foundation pre-mix-ins:
-1/4 cup old fashioned oats (or steel cut - also good)
-1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (and sometimes just straight up h2o)
-1 big pinch of ground flax or 2
-Cinnamon - a great spice that adds the taste of sweetness without using sugar

Microwave for 3 minutes in a tall bowl, and add the flax and other mix-ins and you're all set!  Now for my favorites:

1. Peanut Butter (1 Tbsp or less) + Strawberries

2. Peaches - This is my all-time favorite.  It tastes like peach pie, I swear.  Don't forget the cinnamon, and let the hot oatmeal warm up the peaches and mmm.

3. Raisins + Sliced Almonds (again - stir this up and let it sit for a sec to plump up those raisins)

4. Blueberries (I've done the frozen blueberry thing and it works OK in a pinch - just let the hot oatmeal heat up the berries)

5. 1/3 banana + pecans (I skipped the cinnamon here because the banana was extra ripe and extra sweet)

**Just keep in mind, when you add in nuts or PB, serious extra calories are involved. (people, don't be in denial about this)

And the bonus!
6. An egg and 2 sliced up turkey sausages.  A salty/savory edition for you salty/savory people.

Enjoy!

Five Faves Vol. 1

Linking up with Hallie over at MoxieWife!

1.  Dove's dry shampoo.

For thin-ish hair people like me, and a new mom to boot (who says 'to boot?') dry shampoo is a must!  Plus, I reaaally like the smell of Dove's and actually, so does my husband.  Every single time I wear it he sniffs me and says - "mm, you smell good."  

{Thanks! It's my dry shampoo signaling the fact that I haven't showered in 2 days and my hair is greasy.}

Aw, thanks babe!

2. This little awesome idea called Little Free Library. Basically, you put up a cute little book storage birdhouse type thing and people in your neighborhood/community are welcome to swap books ("take a book, leave a book").  Check out this map if you want to find a registered one near you!

I just l-o-v-e this idea. What a cool way to build community, share resources, read some books you may otherwise have never found, make reading extra fun with our little kiddos, etc. etc. etc. I know in my neighborhood there are plenty of families with little kids.  If I can convince my husband, I am totally going to turn myself into el steward of the Little Free Library Wrigley Terrace edition.  (PS. It doesn't need to be just for little kids!)  

Papa Joe, it's time to build us a Lil Library!

3. Speaking of Papa Joe (aka. my dad), he also makes the list for his super awesome article published in The Bishop's Bulletin from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD.  He is studying to become a Deacon and spent 3 months visiting men and women in jail.  His article is a gem of a quick read and can be found on page 12 if you're interested!

4.  The TV show Scandal.

Oh, my, goodness I am so excited Netflix just released the second season!  We watched the first season right after we brought Mia home and were experiencing a lot of couch time, and I have gone back and forth whether or not to just purchase the rest of the episodes on amazon or something like a crazy impatient person would do.  I am SO excited (if you can't tell) that Netflix just gifted me with 12 more episodes of viewing pleasure.


5.  These tall, wide mouth Ball jars I found at Target yesterday.  They sell for about a buck a piece, and are perfect for storing cold-coffee-to-have-iced-coffee-tomorrow since it's apparently still 110 degrees here.  I love that the wide mouth makes it more like a drinking glass.  I just love these jars in general.

Happy Wednesday!