How to: Stepmom to a T

So, I saw this reminder the other day. Which is funny because it's something that's been on my mind lately. To me, self care doesn't mean putting on makeup, getting dolled up, and going out. And when you don't have on makeup or look slightly disheveled, people ask what's wrong? are you sick? are you sad? It's really rather annoying. Does that make women who like that wrong? No! As women, all of these different obligations should be self-inflicted. No one else should ever make us feel like we're doing it wrong. It's the same thing as parents. I tend to wake up earlier on weekends when the kids are here, then I do on the weekdays. I tend to be more productive and eat healthier while they're here because I want that for them. I tend to look for the next activity or project for them to participate in. These are the pains I have weekly about being enough. That spins me into a cycle of mental unrest. I'm sure you other mamas ...

One of the easiest breakfasts that I do is a protein shake. Recently, I've been sharing tips with friends on how I prep them. It's so easy and it's worth it for us non-morning-peeps! I do have my opinions on protein. I won't get on my soapbox here, but I will link to what I use. It's 20 grams of vegan protein and can be mixed into literally whatever.   This protein lasts me over a month per bag. I mix it in the shakes below or just one flavor with water for a kid's treat. Here's how I prep it: ALL AT ONCE. I grab: 1 bag spinach 1 carton almond milk 4 bananas 2 bag of berries 1/2 cup of peanut butter Flax seed Vanilla Protein Chocolate Protein Chai Proten I tend to make 3-4 varieties at a time. I blend a big batch and freeze them in mason jars. To drink: We leave out on the counter overnight - or pack in the morning and it's thawed by noon. This is a trick I learned from a friend and it's been fool proof for me so far. I j...

This has been a January that you need your mom, your dog and a big bowl of comfort food.  And, comfort food looks different for everyone.  One of my favorites is the Chicken Pot Pie casserole that I found online. I've slowly adapted it to fit my diet and my availability for cooking.  Find the original recipe here on the  Smells Like Home  blog.  My recipe has evolved over the years.  For starters, I don't make my own biscuits. I normally buy them from the store and put them on top, or I make them on the side and those who want them eat them. There are lots of Gluten Free options , too. For the chicken pot pie filling: 1 ½ tbsp vegetable oil (I have also used olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil) 1 large onion, chopped fine 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise ¼-inch thick 2 small ribs celery, cut crosswise ¼-inch thick Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 tbsp unsalted butter (You can use ghee Earth Balance dairy free butter,...

In case you wondered, it’s possible to fly without a Government Issued Picture ID in your possession. You know how I know that? Because some twat-waffle decided to swipe my ID while I was in Atlanta. This is a PSA to all my trusting friends: Zip. Your. Bags. It was right beside me. It was in my sight, actually touching me. But because I let my guard down and let someone bump in to me and apologized, I said no worries and became a victim of identity theft. Little did that person know I don’t normally shop, so a $2000 purchase at an upscale mall triggered my Credit Card Company and my husband. It wasn’t the end of the world and it definitely didn’t stop me from enjoying my time with my family. In fact, I was able to get a foot massage, try an amazing Persian restaurant, walk by the river and play a few rounds of Euchre. But I 'd be remiss to say it didn't put a damper on my R&R weekend. This is the end of a run for me. It’s the end of my seventh work trip since August + Chr...

When I became a stepmom, I lost a part of myself. Now, don’t read that as a negative thought, because I gained so much. I lost my ability to move in an instant, but I gained a home. I lost sleeping in on the weekends, but gained three extra snugglers. I lost my desire to have a cat, but I gained another friend for my kids. Life is one big mystery. It never takes you where you think you’re going to go, but it drops you off where you need to be. However, boundaries are good. There are a few things that I see as non-negotiables in my life and my relationship with my step-family. If you are a step-parent and have some of your own, please share! Healthy eating  Home for hosting Must have love  First, I have healthy eating. This is important to me and a non-negotiable because I’ve done my research and I know the effects that food can have on our bodies. I used to not care - sugars, treats, pastas, ect - and by eating those, even playing three sports a year, I was...

I’m going to go there...so go away if you don’t like my opinion. You do not need milk to survive. You don’t even need it to thrive. You don’t really even need it. I know - I’m one of those hippie, fad diet, attention seeking health nuts that you hate. Wrong. I’ve done my research. I’ve looked into it. I’ve tried both ways. I grew up on milk. A glass of milk at every dinner. I don’t think it’s going to cause me cancer. I don’t think my mom did anything wrong. But I also don’t think milk is made the same way anymore. I simply don’t think it’s needed. And here’s why. We say we need to drink milk because of the calcium, the fat, and the protein. Which is all true - milk does have all those things. But there’s other parts of the label we need to take a peek at. One single cup of cow’s milk has 12 grams of sugar. That’s HALF of our recommended sugar intake each day. And I’m talking about white milk. Chocolate milk, Nesquick and Strawberry varieties have SO much more. We also think tha...

I'm sure all of you have many tips and tricks that you've learned over the years...so please share them!! Lately, I've been traveling for work a lot. It's mostly 24 hour trips and 4-6 meals eating out. Overnight in a hotel room, exhausted and long tired days on set.  To back up - I never used to travel this much for work. If I was traveling, it would be to see people and we would cook meals, or do races, or go places that I could get local cuisine homemade. I wouldn't need lots of extra caffeine and I always had time to "clean up". So, I used to have a rule: If I eat out,  I can have a "cheat meal" and I wouldn't worry about it. Cause, you know, moderation. But that's so not the case anymore. I used to do mud masks and have time to shower, but now it seems so exhausting.  So what do I do (well, try to do) to stay healthy and well during my travels.  1. You will never NOT find me with Fizz Sticks . I keep 3-4 in my work bag at ...