Dear Moms, 

OMIGERD!! I have been swamped! Let me fill ya in:

• I am STILL in school full time, for my Graphic Arts Associates Degree. 
• I am getting the kids ready for a brand spanking new school year in an entirely new city AND state.
• I am getting my company: Essential Bath Elements off of the ground.
• I am working with the susband (soon to be husband) on both the ministry AND the cleaning company.

 Oh- and did I forget to mention that I am MOVING?? AGAIN?!? Yeah, moving- once again. We have been in this house for a little under six months...but, the landlord was doing fraudulent things by renting it out during a foreclosure. Long story short, Fannie Mae purchased our home and then asked if we would like to continue renting, OR they offered us, "relocation assistance" to move. $$$$$ Cha-CHING! I was ready to pack while we were still on the phone with the broker! 👀 Am I alone?! Hands? Needless to say, I am scouting places for boxes and taking artwork that has been on the wall for about two weeks- right the hell back off!

So in the midst of this, I realized that I have been super duper neglectful of the blog and all of you special folks who take time out of your day to read my, more often than not- drivel! THANKS, Btw! I appreciate your readership! Since I am doing the mad dash to prep for a new school year, I decided to focus on some creative and healthy tips and lunchbox friendly ideas- buckle up, it's gonna get really yummy!

Pro Tip: SMOOTHIES are king for a quick and healthy breakfast. You can use smoothies in a variety of ways, our fave way is to pre-make and freeze them for an easy on the go breakfast. Add some chia seed or spinach for an extra nutrition boost! Below is a go-to recipe for creating your own berry smoothies! Feel free to substitute berries for your favorites or use a sprig of mint, or granola to garnish.

The Who:
1 c. of any brand Greek vanilla yogurt
1 c. strawberries
1 c. frozen blueberries
1-2 tsp. milk 

The How:
Combine the yogurt, berries, and milk in a blender and pulse until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Since it seems like the life of a mom is never ending and always on the go, smoothies can be a lifesaver- especially when you use them in these fun ways:

1. Smoothie Bark- Por the smoothie on a parchment lined 1-inch baking sheet until its about 1/2- inch thick. top with granola and fresh berries and freeze for at least 6 hours. Break into pieces for a quick grab and go snack!
2. Smoothie Pops- Layer smoothie, yogurt, granola and berries in a paper cup. Add a popsicle stick or a paper straw and freeze for at least 6 hours. Tear away the cup and enjoy
3. Smoothie Bowls- Pour smoothie inside a bowl, and add plenty of granola and fresh berries. (Add an additional dab or love with heart-shaped strawberries! Check out this neat DIY video in the link.

😛Scintillating Sammies👅

I would venture to say that moms spend a good 1/8 - 1/10 of their lives making and packing lunches, and when you think of a packed lunch- you think sandwich, right? These nine yummy sandwich recipes will turn what you think about sandwiches- upside down! 

Turkey, cream cheese, avocado, and boiled egg slices on a bagel

Hazelnut spread, berries, and pistachios on white bread

Roast beef, cheddar, stone mustard on an English muffin

Chicken salad with grapes, tomato, and lettuce on a croissant

Hummus, cucumber, red pepper and feta in a pita pocket

Apple, ham,  and honey mustard on a baguette 

Basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar on pumpernickel

Salami, pepperoni, banana peppers, provelone, lettuce and Italian dressing on a hoagie roll

Spinach, strawberries, sliced almonds, poppy seed dressing in an 8-inch wrap

Pro Tip: Healthy eating habits begin at home! Set a healthy exam-pole by serving healthy foods at home, to increase your child's likelihood to choose healthy foods away from home.

A healthy lunchbox friendly idea is a refreshing pasta salad. You can jazz this recipe up to add cheese cubes, grapes, berries, and even some sliced pepperoni!

Rainbow Pasta Salad

12 oz tri-color rotini

1 c. cherry tomatoes halved

1 c. cucumber, diced

2 c. broccoli florets

3/4- 1 c. of any brand Italian salad dressing

1. Cook pasta according to package directions
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, cucumber and broccoli with the Italian dressing
3. Refrigerate for at least three hours to allow the flavors to combine. Adding cheese cubes can add an additional serving of dairy and an addition of berries can add an extra serving of fruits!

Pro Tip: Writing a handmade note in a homemade lunch for your child/children can make a rough day much better!


Well, Mamas, that's it for me- I have a trillion and five things to do, as I am sure- you do too! Until next time, be good to yourselves, one another, and remember to keep calm and be a CRAZY mom!