Menu Monday | Week 2

MONDAY

Breakfast

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole via Recipes that Crock

Lunch

Apple Cranberry Turkey Salad via Inside Bru Crew Life

Dinner

Chicken Dijon & Couscous Recipe via Taste of Home

TUESDAY

Breakfast

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bites via And They Cooked Happily Ever After

Lunch

Veggie Sandwich via Popsugar

Dinner

Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe via Budget Savvy Diva

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast

Easy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks via Just a Taste

Lunch

Cheesy Potato Soup via Lil' Luna

Dinner

Easy Pepper Steak via Gimme Some Oven

THURSDAY

Breakfast

Slow Cooker Sausage Breakfast Casserole via Six Sisters' Stuff

Lunch

Ultimate Clean & Lean Lettuce Wrap via Sheer Luxe

Dinner

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole via Mom on Time Out

FRIDAY

Breakfast

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars via Delightful E Made

Lunch

Cheesy-Garlic Chicken Biscuits via Adventures in Woman Land

Dinner

Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Bake via Let's Dish Recipes

Mouth offers two options for Holidaylicious Sweets, which make great gifts for Christmas!

1) Holidaylicious Sweets:

Includes:

• PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE SABLES BY LOMAXINE


• TOASTED WHITE CHOCOLATE BAR BY FRUITION CHOCOLATE


• FRESH GINGER CARAMELS MADE BY REAL TREAT


• HOT CHOCOLATE POPS BY TICKET CHOCOLATE


• PECAN-BROWN SUGAR BRITTLE FROM LIDDABIT

 

2) Holidaylicious Sweets - Extra Sweet
Includes:

• SNACK'R CANDY BAR MADE BY LIDDABIT SWEETS


• PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE SABLES BY LOMAXINE


• TOASTED WHITE CHOCOLATE BAR BY FRUITION CHOCOLATE


• FRESH GINGER CARAMELS MADE BY REAL TREAT


• HOT CHOCOLATE POPS BY TICKET CHOCOLATE


• DREAMS COME CHEW CANDIES MADE BY QUIN CANDY


• A DULCE DE LECHE ALFAJORES


• PECAN-BROWN SUGAR BRITTLE FROM LIDDABIT


• INDIE PEPPERMINT STICK MADE BY RALEY'S CONFECTIONARY

That's a whole lot of yum!

 

Looking for a tasty option for Quinoa? If so, you should try some quinoa chocolate from Mouth. Try the Almond Butter + Quinoa Chocolate or the Agave, Quinoa & Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar, both for only $9.

The Agave, Quinoa & Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar is made of Creamy, sweet milk chocolate laced with crunchy quinoa and sesame seeds. Also, for each bar sold, Jcoco provides a serving of fresh and healthy food to someone in need.

The Almond Butter + Quinoa Chocolate has a chocolate shell filled with almond butter with puffed quinoa for an added fantastic crunch. Also, this chocolate bar has no refined sugar, gluten, dairy, emulsifiers, stabilizers, soy or GMOs

This post contains affiliate links. The opinions stated are my own and are not that of the company itself. There is no extra cost for clicking on these links or for purchasing these products, however, there is potential for me to gain a commission, should you decide to purchase.  Thank you for helping me support my family and this blog!

Try one, or both, today!

Almond Butter + Quinoa Chocolate

Agave, Quinoa & Sesame Milk Chocolate Bar

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I just found out, red wine may not be that bad for your teeth!  Actually, it can help your teeth.  Yes, it can stain them red, but there are positives to having a glass, or two, of wine each day.  According to some studies, red wine can actually help you have healthier gums, stronger teeth, and can help reduce cavities.  I bet you won't feel as bad the next time you decide to have a drink. So drink up, and save yourself a trip to the dentist!

For those of you looking to put together a do-it-yourself Christmas this year, this list is perfect for you!  Here are 15, diy Christmas ornament ideas.  These would even be fun for kids to create as well! Make it even more special this year and decorate your tree with items made by hand.

1. The Perfect Gift: Etched Snowflake Ornaments in Birch via Design Mom

2. Bleached Pinecones via Stone Gable Blog

3. Stylish Projects from Vintage Books via Better Homes and Gardens

4. Tree Ornaments via Design and Form

5. Fabric Styrofoam Ball Pattern via Knitty Gritty Thoughts

When I was pregnant, I was asked the question - "Are you going to let the baby sleep with you?"  My answer was always quick, and always No.  I still firmly stand by that decision and wouldn't go back and change anything, even if I could.  Co-sleeping is a popular thing.  In fact, I know quite a few parents who do it.  I'll never judge them, but I'll also never join them.

For me, the decision not to allow my child to sleep in the bed with me came when I was younger.  No names, or relations mentioned, but I knew of a child, who was in his toddler years, and he couldn't fall asleep unless his Mom, or another trusted adult, was in the room.  Really though, he wanted his Mom in there with him.  I didn't even have to do it every night, and I found it slightly exhausting.

Who can really get sleep with a kid kicking you in the back, or screaming if you have to get up and leave the room, even just to use the bathroom and come straight back.  So, after experiencing that, I knew for a fact that when I had my own child, the decision had already been made, they were NOT going to be sleeping in my bed.

I suppose I should confess.  While I was breastfeeding, there were times when I kept my children in bed with me after they were done eating.  However, as soon as I started them on the bottle, I decided it was time that they no longer ruled my roost.  I kept them in the room with me, but they slept in a bassinet, or the crib.

So, all you co-sleeping advocates can't really point at me and yell mean things :) - I didn't kick them out all the way.  I do believe in keeping children close, so I couldn't just send them into a room, all alone, right away.  But, I did want them out of my bed as soon as they weren't attached to my nipple, what seemed to be 24 hrs a day.

Now, they are a little older and I can tell you, I am still glad to have made that decision when they were babies.  I started a trend, one that I could work with, and one that didn't wear me down so much.  Personally, I don't get much sleep when I have to share the bed, or blankets with someone.  I'd make the hubby sleep in his own bed if it weren't so cliche.  I like my space.  But it's much more than that.  I enjoy my "ME TIME."  I feel just like my Mom when I say that.  We always had a bed time, and her reason was the same as the one I now give my own children.  The time when I put them in bed, until the time I go to bed myself, is time I get to spend on myself.  I don't have to force myself to bed when they go.  I can sit, in the quiet and get work done, or enjoy a nice glass of wine, which is something I'm sure some people frown upon you drinking in bed, with your kid snoozing right next to you.

If I had decided to go ahead with co-sleeping, the chances are pretty high that my "Me Time" would be non existent.

What are you reasons for either co-sleeping, or choosing not to co-sleep?

Weekly Meal Planning Made Easy

I'm starting something a little new around here.  Every Monday I will post a menu I have created for my family.  It will have meal plans for each day of the week.  You can follow it exactly (copy-cat :P) or you can add your own recipes or meal options into the mix.

Have trouble sticking to a weekly meal plan?  Don't beat yourself up; I do too.  It's not the worst thing if you create a menu and don't stick to it.  True, they help you plan ahead and can save some headaches when putting together the shopping list for the week, but it's not the end of the world if you decide to change things up last minute.  To be honest, most of the time I just create these menus because I find it incredibly enjoyable, and makes me feel like I'm one of those super organized, super - moms.  BUT, I hardly ever stick to them.  I guess I'm still learning how to do that part :)

Menu Monday | Week 1

MONDAY

Breakfast

Breakfast Sandwiches (via Macheesmo)

Lunch

Light Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps (via Lady Behind the Curtain)

Dinner

Easy Cheesy Tex-Mex Skillet (via The Domestic Geek)

How to Deal with a Moody Teen | Live Love in the Home

Ever wondered how to deal with a moody, or disrespectful teen?  Me too.

My boys aren't teenagers yet, but it can never be too early to prepare for those years.  Here are some tips to help you deal with the relationship you have (and the ones I will have) with your teen.

Rules

Rules are important.  Your teen needs to know what is acceptable behavior and language and what is not.  It even helps to involve your teen in the rule setting process.  This way, you can both be in agreement of what's expected.  After you set the rules, be sure to follow up.  Rules mean nothing when not enforced.

Consequences

When a rule is broken, consequences can help teach a teen that when they do something wrong, especially something they've agreed on, they must own up to it.  Consequences could be taking away the cell phone or computer, or cancelling the best friend movie date they have planned for the weekend.  You can base the consequence for breaking a rule, based on which one was broken.  Consequences can also be discussed with a teen when setting a rule.  They are more apt to follow a rule when it is not only just enforced, but also when they know what's at stake.

They Learn What They See & Hear

You are one of the most important teachers in your teen's life.  They'll copy things you say and do, and yeah, they'll sometimes act like you.  You should try to be a good role model for them.  Show them what you expect with your own words and actions.

Stay Calm

Don't panic and don't argue.  It's best to keep your cool.  Don't use words to hurt your teen.  Remember, if it would hurt your feelings, chances are, your teen is definitely going to take it to heart.  If you get too overwhelmed, take a deep breath, or walk away for a moment to calm down.

Remember

You'll both be just fine and even if it's said, your teen doesn't really hate you.  Remember what it was like to be that age and just keep breathing.

Need Help?

You may need a little more advice.  If so, you may find it helpful to contact:

• Other parents


• Your teen's school counselor


• You can also seek professional help, if needed.

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This post contains affiliate links. The opinions stated are my own and are not that of the company itself. There is no extra cost for clicking on these links or for purchasing these products, however, there is potential for me to gain a commission, should you decide to purchase. Thank you for helping me support my family and this blog!

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I am absolutely in love with this next tutorial.  My husband has an aunt who is pretty obsessed with crystals, stones, and such.  After finding the Diy Faux Crystals with Rocks, Nail Polish, and Gold Spray Paint tutorial by Love Maegen, I now know exactly what she will be getting for Christmas this year.  I even plan on making some for myself to place in my bathroom.  Stones and crystals can create such a calming and romantic atmosphere.  I can't wait! Aren't they beautiful!?



 

(photo from Love Maegan)

 

When I was younger, my Mom made a lot of my special occasion dresses.  She enjoyed sewing, and throughout the years, she had  gathered a huge collection of ribbons.  While I have yet to accumulate as much as she had, the need for storage ideas inspired this post.  This DIY list will help any ribbon hoarder get a little more organized.

First on the list is this awesome DIY project from The Cottage Mama.  These DIY Ribbon Holders would be perfect little decorations for any craft room!

Next on the list is this equally as awesome tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens, for this Picture Perfect Ribbon Holder.



You can swap out the washi tape in the Easy Washi Tape Storage tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

Happy Organizing!

I have way too many interior design dreams and not enough money in my bank account to make them all a reality.  Lately, I've been dreaming, both at night and during the day, of a bedroom suited for a queen.   One day, I will have that luxurious duvet cover with matching shams I've always wanted.  If you're my husband, and you're reading this, Christmas or my birthday will do :) Ahh, a girl can dream, right?

I just want to jump right into these pictures and take a nap.  One day, one day....

 

 

Dian Austin Couture Home "Neutral Modern" Bed Linens by Dian Austin Couture Home

Dransfield & Ross House Condotti Bedding by Dransfield and Ross

French Laundry Home Aimee Bedding by Horchow

Dian Austin Couture Home "Pure Pewter" Bed Linens by Dian Austin Couture Home

Callisto Home "Aura" Bed Linens by Callisto

Dian Austin Couture Home "Aix-en-Provence" Bed Linens by Dian Austin Couture Home

Christmas stockings are a pretty important component of most holiday decor setups.  Instead of using the traditional red and green stockings, or the same ones you had last year (and the year before that, and the year before that....) why not choose some of these beautiful and unique options instead.

Create stunning holiday displays with any of these Christmas stockings.

via Kim Seybert Golden Christmas Stockings by Kim Seybert

Kim Seybert Sugarplum Christmas Stockings by Kim Seybert

Jewel-Embellished Spectrum Stocking by Kim Seybert

MacKenzie-Childs Balloonery Festoonery Christmas Stocking by Mackenzie Childs

Global Stockings by Pottery Barn

Noelle Stocking by Pendleton

Your wrapped gifts don't have to be so boring.  Give them some personality with these unique gift wrapping options.

Smudge Ink Zebras Gift Wrap by CASA.com

via Smudge Ink Zebras Gift Wrap by CASA.com

Smudge Ink Wood Rounds Gift Wrap by CASA.com

via Smudge Ink Wood Rounds Gift Wrap by CASA.com

Smudge Ink Textured Scallop Gift Wrap by CASA.com

via Smudge Ink Textured Scallop Gift Wrap by CASA.com

Square Twine Trinket Box Jolly Stripes by Container Store

via Square Twine Trinket Box Jolly Stripes by Container Store

Round Twine Trinket Box Dots Green Multi by Container Store

via Round Twine Trinket Box Dots Green Multi by Container Store

Love Cupcakes Need Wall Décor by Bed Bath & Beyond

This time of year usually comes with its fair share of parties and of course, you'll need the perfect dress, or three for such occasions.  Take a peek at these beauties I found, each sure to make you the star of any party you attend.

Gold

Xtaren Sequin Cocktail Dress by shoptiques.com

Green

Kessley Green V-Neck Dress by shoptiques.com

Red

Sweet Pea Pleated One Shoulder Dress by Sweet Pea

Color your nails and lips for under $10 with these fabulous red lipstick and nail polish choices.

OPI Nail Lacquer, Got the Blues for Red by OPI

via OPI Nail Lacquer, Got the Blues for Red by OPI

Essie Nail Polish - Reds by Essie

via Essie Nail Polish - Reds by Essie

nails inc. Tate Polish by Nails Inc

via nails inc. Tate Polish by Nails Inc

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor by Maybelline

via Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor by Maybelline

Nyx Cosmetics Round Case Lipstick by NYX

via Nyx Cosmetics Round Case Lipstick by NYX

FOREVER 21+ Matte Lipstick by Forever 21

via FOREVER 21+ Matte Lipstick by Forever 21