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Pesto Swirl Bread with Barilla

October 30, 2021
It is that wonderful time of year again. The time when the weather is cooling off, and I can bake to my heart’s content to warm the house and our bellies. There is nothing I love eating more than a fresh baked slice (or two) of bread. Just the smell of freshly baking bread brings so much joy and comfort.

Today, I am partnering with Barilla and Mom’s Meet to share a recipe that I created in the autumn kitchen. I made some pesto swirl bread to go with a pasta dish, and four out of five members of my family LOVED it. One is… well, super picky. She liked it alright, but didn’t love it and go back for more. So, take that as you’d like. My husband, who was honestly really unsure of how good it would be, LOVED it. As Rachel Ray would say, here is our cast of characters:

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I am going to share the recipe right here, and then move on to some step by step pictures and information. You are welcome.
Pesto Swirl Bread

1 1/2 cup warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons honey or cane sugar
1 egg (can sub 1 Tbsp ground flax seed and 3 Tbsp Water)
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
4 Tbsp Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto

In the bowl of your mixer, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and allow to sit until foamy.
Add egg and salt- mix until combined.
Add the flour one cup at a time until just combined.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for approximately five minutes. You want your dough to be smooth and not sticky.
Shape the dough into a ball and place into a clean bowl to rise for one hour, or until doubled.
Once doubled, punch the dough down.
Turn the dough onto your lightly floured counter and roll with a rolling pin into a rectangle about 12X17 inches. Eyeball it, it doesn’t have to be specific.
Spread 4 Tablespoons of Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto onto the dough. Starting at one of the short sides, begin rolling into a long cylinder.
Pinch all of your edges together and place seam side down into a bread pan.
Allow the prepared dough to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled.
Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Here are some of my best bread baking tips. The temperature of your water will make or break your yeast. Too hot, and it will kill your yeast. Too cool and it will not activate. Think of a warm bath. What temperature of bath water would you draw for your children? You want it warm, but not hot. That is the ticket. Once you’ve combined your water, yeast, and honey/sugar, it should get foamy. If it isn’t foamy after 15 minutes, throw it out and start over. It’s better to throw out those ingredients than so many more if your bread doesn’t rise. It also saves you a lot of frustration. If you have a drafty, old kitchen (just me?) that isn’t warm enough for bread to rise, turn your oven light on and place your bowl inside. This will create just enough warmth for your dough to be nice and cozy. Just don’t forget and preheat the oven with it inside.
It is always so fun to see how much the dough rises!
Roll out your dough after the first rise

I know, it does not look very appetizing. Stick with me here. Spread your Creamy Genovese pesto evenly on the rolled out bread and start rolling it up. My father-in-law once told me that he was always amazed at how some of the grossest looking foods could be the best tasting. He was eating green chili chicken enchiladas that I made. He wasn’t wrong.

Make sure you keep all of the edges all tucked to the bottom so that it will not come undone. Fold all of the edges under and pinch them closed the best that you can.

Here is the delicious bread after baking. It smells so good. I wish you could scratch and sniff. You are welcome to try, but I don’t think it will work.

I like to remove my bread from all baking pans after it has cooled for about five minutes. If you leave it in, the bread can get really moist and end up gummy and gross. Pop it out onto a cooling rack or wooden cutting board and cover it with a towel. You can wrap the towel around it completely if you want to keep the bread really soft.

Roll that beautiful swirl footage.

We ate this bread as is– just warm and fresh from the oven. It would also be delicious with some butter and garlic toasted in the oven. A creamy pesto swirl garlic bread? Yum.

Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto is ready to be consumed right from the jar. You don’t have to heat it up at all. You can stir it into fresh pasta, spread it onto sandwiches or toast, marinate meats and vegetables, and use as a dip for veggies and pita chips. It is so versatile.

Barilla respects the ingredients. It is imported from Parma, Italy. To preserve the color fo the basil and the aroma of the Italian Cheese, Barilla minimizes the handling of ingredients. It is prepared in as little as three hours from start to finish– from ingredient preparation to tightening on the lid. That is awesome.

Just a little of the pest goes a long way. One jar mixes best with 16 ounces of pasta. (Get the cute little mini bowties!) How fun would this be on spaghetti for halloween with olive eyeballs in your green pesto pasta?!

You can buy Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto at Target, Publix, Stop & Shop, Meijer, ShopRite, Hy-Vee, Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, and more. Visit momsmeet.link/barillalocate to find a store near you.

Did you know that pesto is usually bought and used in the same day? Sixty-six percent of shoppers consume pesto within three hours of purchasing it. It is so easy to stir into some pasta, serve with some salad and voila! You have a meal.

If you try this bread, be sure to come back and tell me what you think!

Happy Baking!
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Eczema Care with Gladskin

October 17, 2021

‘Tis the season for dry skin. You know the drill. The weather gets cooler, and our hands get drier. Not only are the cooler temperatures causing dry skin, but also the more frequent hand washing as germ season gets underway. Those of us with eczema prone skin are in for double the discomfort.

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

There are several members of my family that struggle with eczema. It has been a tough battle to get it under control so they aren’t miserable. Finding a cream that works best is a struggle. I have gone through so many creams and prescriptions to try and get my daughters some relief. So much money has gone down the drain. As a mother, I have been extremely frustrated and felt incredibly helpless. It was bad enough to see them uncomfortable when they were infants and toddlers. But now, as they have grown up, we have the added emotional aspect to it. It is embarrassing to them to have large, red, dry patches of skin that is always itchy. It’s hard to resist scratching it, which only draws more attention to it. We knew that something needed to change, and I was feeling desperate.

Gladskin Eczema Cream is a first-of-its-kind cream, formulated with Micreobalance (a patented smart protein) that keeps bad bacteria in check to bring balance back to the skin microbiome. WHAT! I have never seen a product that works to restore your skin microbiome. Micreobalance is their star ingredient, and what makes it so different. By now, you all know how I feel about taking care of our microbiomes. Gladskin with Micreobalance rebalances the good and bad bacteria that naturally live on the skin as it moisturizes. This means that gladskin is leaving the good bacteria untouched while defending against the bad bacteria. This is music to my microbiome-loving ears.

Using clean products on our skin has been the best way to manage eczema flares. Gladskin eczema cream has no fragrance, no drying alcohols, no parabens, no steroids, and no sulfates. I don’t know about you, but I personally want to avoid using steroid creams on my children whenever possible. Gladskin cream is dermatologist recommended and clinically tested. It’s safe for long term use. Other eczema products are either only aimed at managing symptoms after a flare or don’t take yours, or your child’s, health into account holistically. There are no withdrawal reactions when you stop using it.

I love that there is a recommendation to store the product in your refrigerator so that it lasts longer. This is always a good sign of real ingredients as promised. The recommendation is that the product is good for three months from purchase if stored at room temperature, or until the date stamped on the package if kept in the fridge. Mine is stamped with 4/22, just so you get a clear picture of how long you know it is good for. The effects of a cool moisture cream on dry skin are so, so comforting.

My daughters that battle eczema often get flares where their skin creases. The backs of their knees and the bends of their elbows are where we fight eczema the most often. One of my daughters has been in the midst of a flare. She will scratch her skin until she bleeds. We applied Gladskin eczema cream, and she exclaimed “it already looks better!” She felt relief immediately. If you have children that fight with eczema, or you fight with it yourself, you know that most creams burn very badly when applied to the dry and broken skin. That was not the case with this cream. There was no pain or discomfort, just blissful relief.

We live on a homestead. I am HARD on my hands. They are in the garden, cleaning out chicken coops, and baking a lot of bread. I wash my hands frequently, and they show it. It’s like leather. It gets exceptionally dry and painful. This cream was a dream. It went on so thick and creamy. Even an hour later, my skin still felt moisturized, but not greasy or gross. It feels so luxurious, which is a real treat.

You should apply the eczema cream at least twice per day on and around the eczema prone areas. Most people see results in the first few days, but it could take up to three weeks of daily application to see the results. Staying consistent will give you the best results. Man, that fits everything in life, doesn’t it?

Gladskin can be used safely on the most sensitive skin– even your eyelids! It is proven safe and effective on children as young as three months old. Gladskin is non-toxic. It is formulated to work with the nature of you and/or your child’s skin, not against it. You can apply it as often as you like, and it can be used with your other products. Just apply it first and give it five minutes before you apply anything else. Basically, it is incredible, and I may be the new president of Gladskin’s fan club.

Gladskin also has many other products that also support the microbiome-balancing work that Gladskin eczema cream does. These products also do not contain any harsh ingredients or preservatives that most cleansers contain. They are all non-drying products that leave your skin feeling clean without feeling dry or tight. You know that feeling. You MUST try the shampoo bar. My hair is below my waist. That’s over two feet of thick hair, if you don’t know. I LOVE the shampoo bar! I have been trying to find a shampoo that doesn’t dry my scalp, but still cleans my hair. I finally found it with Gladskin’s shampoo bar. Plus, I am not wasting another huge plastic container of shampoo. It’s a win all around.

Head on over and get yourself some luxurious eczema cream, or try out a shampoo bar for yourself. You can save 10% on your order at gladskin.com when you enter the code GLADMOM10 at checkout. Code expires 3/31/22.

**In some rare cases, first-time Gladskin users may see temporarily slightly increased eczema symptoms. Any discomfort should be mild and not last longer than the first 10 days. This is often a sign that the cream is beginning to work as it rebalances the skin’s microbiome. This is not something that we experienced, but something that I do feel you should be aware of.

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WayFare Plant Based Pudding

June 15, 2021

We are a hiking and exploring family! Often, we will pack up a picnic lunch to keep in the cooler in our vehicle and eat after we’ve completed a long hike. But, picnic lunches can be boring and repetitive. We always pack sandwiches, chips, fruits, and veggies to keep it simple. Oh, and water. Lots and lots of water. Sometimes, simple ends up being boring. If we are going to continue doing this so often, I need to get more creative and pack something fun. On our last picnic, we brought along WayFare plant based pudding. It was a fun addition to our typically predictable meals.

When we aren’t out hiking, we are working on the homestead. There are a lot of animals to feed and care for. Plus, a really big garden to weed and water. The kids play outdoors most hours of the day. I want to fuel their bodies with healthy foods that will help them grow and maintain excellent health. I don’t just feed them good foods, but I explain to them why we do so and what makes each food healthy. Thankfully, they have always enjoyed learning more about nutrition and food. I don’t bore them yet.

Heart disease and diabetes run heavily in my family. I have always been aware of the genetics that are chasing me, and now my daughters. I’ve studied and researched the best ways to care for our bodies. I also wonder if it is the habits that get passed from generation to generation that have the most impact. Either way, I want to teach my kids healthy habits so that they have a solid foundation for health when they are adults. They know that treats are just that– a treat. Treats are something to enjoy every now and then, while still choosing the best options. They are not something to be consumed in excess. WayFare pudding was a yummy treat for everyone to enjoy. It is a treat to have a small cup of pudding with our meals.

Look at those sweet faces. Gosh, I love them.

I received this product, WayFare Pudding, for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

WayFare puddings are free from the top 10 allergens. If you are new to the food allergy world as I was, you may not know what the top 10 allergens are. They are Dairy, Wheat/Gluten, Eggs, Tree Nuts*, Peanuts, Shellfish, Fish, Soy, Sesame, and Mustard. *Highly refined coconut oil is used in their foods. The process used makes it virtually free of allergenic proteins.* Harper, my youngest, was born with a dairy allergy. It was horrible. I had to completely give up dairy while breastfeeding, and the tiniest amount would make her be violently ill. Back then, finding dairy free options was really difficult. Finding tasty and healthy dairy free options was nearly impossible. While she has mostly grown out of the allergy, she still gets an upset tummy if she has too much dairy in her diet. I am still very careful with her because I don’t want her in pain. Also, dairy irritates the lining of her intestines, so damage could be done internally that I’m unaware of. I am so thankful to have found a pudding treat that is safe for her.

WayFare pudding comes in three flavors– chocolate, butterscotch, and vanilla. We all tried every flavor, and all three were completely delicious. At first, everyone wanted to try chocolate or butterscotch. Vanilla is usually boring, you know. The chocolate was in the lead ahead of butterscotch, though I was in the minority loving butterscotch the most. When the kids didn’t have any other option, they gave the vanilla try. Wow! Vanilla was the favorite! It tastes just like cake batter. You really cannot beat cake batter flavored anything, in my opinion. I almost hid the rest of the vanilla to keep for myself. Almost.

WayFare puddings are plant based. I’ll be honest. I’m usually completely turned off by seeing the phrase “plant based” because the product is usually fully of unhealthy ingredients. That is NOT the case with WayFare, and I am so happy. Their base is organic butter beans and organic oats. How they made butter beans into something that tastes so delicious is completely beyond me.

WayFare pudding is certified organic, kosher, vegan, and gluten free. It checks off many boxes that consumers are looking for. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was telling my dairy free coworker about this pudding. WayFare was only shipping to 36 states. I just saw the announcement on their instagram page that they are officially shipping nation wide!! This package was shipped to me, where the temperatures have been miserably hot, and the pudding was still plenty cold. If you would prefer not to have it shipped, you can check out their store locator to find a store near you that sells WayFare. It is typically sold at Wegmans, Lucky’s Save Mart, Mom’s Market, Festival Foods, Woodman’s, and Tony’s Fresh Market.

WayFare started when their family faced some terrible diagnoses. They decided to switch to a plant-based diet to heal, and saw their health issues reverse. They developed their own ultra-green, zero-waste, sustainable food manufacturing system. How incredible is that? You can read more of their story here. I love stories of people taking control of their health and healing. Knowing that they built this great company as the result of all of that is just even more incredible. Thank you, WayFare for making such a yummy treat and sharing it with the rest of us.

You can go to wayfarefoods.com to place your own order for the most delicious pudding on the planet. Seriously, get the vanilla. I have a special code to share with you where you can get 20% off any product. You can use the code shareWF20 for your discount on any product that is good through April 26, 2022. Be sure to check out the many other products (cheese, dips, cream cheeses, sour cream, etc. ) that WayFare has to offer while you are there.

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Dream Big with PACT Pajamas

June 6, 2021

As a mom, I always want to do the best for my child. I want to use the best and safest products for them. When my second daughter was an infant, we discovered that she had eczema. My youngest was later diagnosed with it as well. I started researching the best ways to help their skin stay smooth and comfortable. I didn’t want to just treat eczema when it came up, I wanted to avoid it rearing it’s miserable head at any point. Some of the biggest tips were to eliminate dairy, use lotions without any added fragrances and completely clean ingredients, and use organic cotton pajamas. **This is not medical advice, just what I found in my research.**

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Needless to say, when this package showed up at my door, I was thrilled. Pact sent their Dream Big Pajamas for us to try out! I have heard about the PACT brand for quite a few years, but had never taken the plunge on purchasing anything. I have filled up many a shopping cart on Pact’s website. I got an adorable set of Pact Dream Big Pajamas for one of my children for this blog post. I loved them so much that I bought more for the rest of my children almost immediately. They had to be matching, of course. This combination is Rainbows and Tea Rose.

Not only are the prints on these adorable, but they are also so soft. One of my children declared that they wanted their pillows to be made out of these pajamas, so that tells you how soft they are! Since we spend so much time in our pajamas, it is important that they are comfortable and free from anything that can further irritate eczema. Most children spend approximately half of the 24 hours of their day in pajamas. Being a homeschool family, my kids often don’t change out of their pajamas when we start school. Comfy Cozies forever!

I feel good knowing that what is against their skin, the largest organ, is not harmful to them.

That post-pool hair life.

We know that the Dream Big Pajamas are incredible. But, let’s learn more about the Pact brand, shall we? Pact is a fair trade certified company– meaning that the producers in developing countries are paid a fair wage. I know that it is a big buzzword (buzz phrase?) at the moment, but it is so important to support companies such as Pact who are doing such great work.

PACT is the Earth’s Favorite Clothing company. The cotton used is also GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton– free from toxic chemicals. (Did you know that traditional kids pajamas are sprayed with a toxic flame-retardant that is incredibly harmful? Please don’t just take my word for it, do the research.) Anything that you put on your skin will be absorbed into your bloodstream. That includes any chemicals that are used in clothing and pajama production. I love that Pact is free from this toxicity. They also use 91% less water than conventional cotton production. This helps to save the earth’s most valuable resource– water. Pact is so environmentally friendly, and I love that. We were only given one beautiful earth, and everyone should do their part to take care of it.

Dream Big Pajamas are so soft. Have I mentioned that already? You know how stiff and uncomfortable most pajamas like this are. They have snug fit with a pull on waistband and banded cuffs at the wrists and ankles. Dream Big Pajamas have a tag free design, which makes them even more comfortable. No itchy tags to bother your children– especially those who are sensitive to sensory stimuli. They are available in sizes 18 months to 10. For reference, my oldest (in pink) typically wears a size 12 and is wearing the 10. My middle daughter is also wearing a 10, which is her usual size. My youngest is wearing a 7, and typically wears a 6. I prefer to give them some growing room, but these do seem to run a bit big. The fabric is pre-washed and shrink resistant. We’ve been wearing and washing them for a month, and have had no shrinking or pilling. These are quality pajamas.

They typically retail for $30, but you can currently get 20% off your first purchase with the code MomsMeet20 until December 31, 2021. You can purchase them at wearpact.com. This code is only valid on first time purchases and is not valid on any sale items or in combination with any other discount.

Pact makes clothing, pajamas, and underwear for children, babies, men, and women. They even have some bedding. Pact has a “fit happens guarantee” and will take care of you if you aren’t happy with your purchase. (You will be!) I CANNOT recommend these pajamas enough.

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Flavor Your Life with Herbed 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dip

May 23, 2021

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Olive Oil is one of my favorite cooking oils. Ten and a half years ago, my dad underwent open heart surgery. His cardiologist said that his children needed to be proactive NOW so that we can take care of our bodies and try to keep from getting heart disease. I immediately started looking into what I was eating. I was using really unhealthy oils to cook with, and that is where I started first. Olive oil became my new go-to for cooking. Not only is it so good for us, but it is also so delicious. I was happy to make that switch!

When I was given the chance to try this 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil from flavor your life, I jumped at it. “The Flavor Your Life campaign aims to educate North American consumers about authentic Extra Virgin Olive. We are debunking misconceptions while empowering consumers – and sharing the delicious culinary culture that’s been growing for untold generations.” This quote was taken directly from flavor-your-life.com . This is a mission I can get behind!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a cold pressed oil, which allows the nutrition to stay true. Other oils are pressed using heat or chemicals, which is certainly not ideal. It has less than 1% acidity, which is excellent for heartburn sufferers such as me. Probably the best of all is that extra virgin olive oil has a high smoking point. That means you can use it in virtually anything from a salad dressing to baking. It is so much more versatile than one would think. The trick for keeping your 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil pure and delicious is to store it in a cool, dark place when you aren’t cooking or creating with it. I have a small cabinet where I store all of my cooking oils to keep them at optimum flavor.

So, why European? This is 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil. Olive trees have been held high in Europe for centuries. Aristotle wrote about olive trees in the Athenian Constitution in 300 BC. That is thousands of years for olive trees to be loved and cared for. The farmers have evolved hundreds of varieties of olive trees. They know the best way to grow olives for the highest and most delicious yield.

The specific extra virgin olive oil I tried is Le Stogioni d’Italia, which means “Seasons of Italy”. The name represents the connection of land and nature, which are the heart of their entire business. Knowing that this company has great respect for their farmers makes me want to be a lifelong customer. Supporting farmers is something that I am all about. They have a completely traceable supply chain, which is incredible sustainability. That is something that many of us have a goal of being–sustainable. It is harvested in Italy. It is gluten free, vegan, and has no additives or preservatives. Hallelujah! Amen. It has a really robust flavor, which I am a huge fan of. I love flavorful olive oils. One 500 mL bottle typically retails for $19.99.

I am going to share a bit of a different recipe for 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil. When I first started brainstorming what I was going to create, I thought PASTA! I. Love. Pasta. If you haven’t gathered my love of carbs from my other blog posts about food, you haven’t been around long enough. But, then my mind went elsewhere. Story time.

After Scott (my husband, for those who don’t know) and I had our first baby, we didn’t go on a date for quite some time. Scott knew that my parents were going to be in town, so he asked them if they would baby sit. They, obviously, said yes. So, we got into the car, and I tried not to cry all the way to the restaurant. Leaving your first baby is HARD. He had done his research and found this beautiful Italian restaurant for us, knowing that pasta is my favorite food and I find it so romantic. We ordered, and the waiter brought out a loaf of warm crusty bread and dishes of herbed olive oil to dip the bread in. I was on cloud nine.

I decided to create an herbed 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil to share it with you all today. I cannot compare it to that dish from the restaurant– which I am still convinced had some sort of magic contained inside because I cannot get anywhere close to it. I sure do try. But, I did create a pretty delicious dip with a bit of a kick to it. I really wanted this 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil to be the star. If you haven’t tried something like this, I invite you to give it a try and fall in love with the flavor beautiful oil.

For this recipe you will need:

1/2 cup 100% Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon of rosemary
1/2 teaspoon of oregano
1 large clove of garlic
1 pinch of salt

Combine all of your ingredients into a mason jar and shake it up. You can start dipping right away, but I recommend letting it sit for at least 4 hours so that the flavors really meld together. The more crusty the bread, the better! I’ve actually dipped soft bread sticks into this and loved it also. I just love this appetizer any way. It would also make a delicious marinade for chicken. I do want to say that a fresh clove of garlic does add quite a bit of spice. If you do not like a lot of heat from spicy things, I suggest omitting the crushed red pepper.

If you are looking for more recipes for using 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, you can go to the Flavor Your Life website to be inspired. This olive oil and apple cake is on my list to try.

Your support for me means the world. I am so grateful for you supporting me. Your support for these amazing brands means so much.

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Screen Time Management with Circle Home Plus

April 18, 2021

Screen time. This is such a hot topic. Over the last year, has your family’s screen time increased or decreased? I would venture a guess that all of us would say that it has increased. Ours has. More time at home tends to mean more screen time. Studies have shown that screen time has increased by 500% for children since the pandemic started. That. Is. Crazy. Nearly half of American children spend 6+ hours a day in front of a screen. Throw in distance learning, and we have a huge problem. That makes me sick. I would venture a guess that most of us parents are wanting to change that for our families, but how? Where do we start with breaking the habit of screens?

Circle Home Plus is the #1 comprehension screen time management solution. Circle wants to make families’ lives better both online and off. They help us set healthy limits for screen time, allowing us to build good habits. We can get wonderful experiences from our time online rather than being completely consumed by it. Circle has become the easiest way to manage all of our family’s devices from anywhere and keep them safe while online. You, as the parent, can control and filter content for all internet-connected devices. This includes smart phones, TVs, tablets, and gaming consoles.

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

One of my favorite features of the Circle Home Plus app is the Bedtime feature. Screens go off at the time you set, and don’t come on until the time you set. Every profile can be set to specific times, making arguing over it a thing of the past. When it is bed time, your screen turns off for the night and that is it. End of story. I love this feature for myself also! I am forced to put my phone away and relax at the time I set. Mama needs a screen detox also. We can’t just point fingers at the kids. You can check out Circle’s sleep hacks here.

Did you know that technology is often what stands between our children and a good night’s sleep? Blue light from our phones and computers disrupts our sleep cycle. That is pretty well known. But, have you ever thought about how many times you reach for your phone to check it throughout the night? Teenagers do this even more. Notifications go off that wake us up, and we *obviously* have to check it. Late-night scrolling is such an issue for all ages. The Bedtime setting puts an end to all of that nonsense.

Circle Home Plus not only helps to manage screen time, but can also make screen time safer. You can set age appropriate filters for websites and apps– even blocking some all together. Time limits can be set for individual apps as well as categories of content (social media, games, etc.) You can also Pause or temporarily turn off the internet for the whole family or just a single family member. Focus Time can be set to help kids stay on track while doing research or distance learning. No more browsing the web instead of focusing on school. How cool is that?

Circle has so many different features. You can locate a family member’s device using the location feature. The history feature allows you to see a family member’s history. This allows you to see sites that have been visited as well as content that Circle has filtered out. From there, you can select to have a website allowed, not allowed, or unmanaged. There is also the ability to see a family member’s usage– where they are spending most of their time while online.

As if all of that isn’t cool enough, you can also send rewards to family members. If someone earns extra screen time or a later bedtime, you can do that all from the Circle Home Plus app. Misbehavior cause a reward to be taken away? That can also be done from the app! My circle app has a passcode, so no one can log onto the app and send themselves rewards or edit the time they are allowed. I have the control, and it is so easy and reassuring.

Reducing screen time enriches our family’s lives. Instead of sitting and watching TV, scrolling social media, and playing video games, we have more time for each other. Board games come out more often. We spend more time outdoors playing together. We explore our state and see so much more than the TV or phone screen.

We only get 18 years with our children. EIGHTEEN. My kids are 10, 9, and 6– all very close to their next birthdays. I feel that clock ticking down more rapidly with every passing year. I CERTAINLY am not going to look back on these years and be thankful for all of the dumb screen time. I want a thriving life with my family. I want to play while they want to play. I want to braid hair and read books. I want to see art and visit museums and explore. I want them to know that they matter to me more than anything in this world. They aren’t going to know that if I am staring at my phone. I want to know their hearts, their fears, and their dreams. I won’t get to know any of that if they spend their time on tablets and watching TV. That is not a fulfilling life. I want to LIVE LIFE, and Circle helps keep us all accountable.

Save 20% on your purchase of a Circle Home Plus device + 1 year app subscription or Circle Home Plus device + lifetime app subscription at momsmeet.link/circlehomeplusshop with promo code MOMSMEET2021. Valid until 10/15/21. One promo code use per person. Circle Home Plus typically retails at $69 for a three month subscription, $129 for a one-year subscription, or $299 for a lifetime subscription. All plans include the Circle Home Plus Device and Circle App access.

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Powerhouse for Gut Health

March 5, 2021

I feel so incredibly blessed because I’ve been able to try a brand new product to share with you. I have partnered up with Moms Meet again to share Kyo-Dophilus Pro+ Synbiotic. This is a brand new prebiotic and probiotic in one (Synbiotic)! Combining these two powerhouses creates an incredible tool for gut health!

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I know that I have mentioned prebiotics, probiotics and the importance of gut health so many times that I may sound like a broken record. But, I am SUCH a believer in the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics. My entire family takes daily probiotics along with our multivitamin. If I had to give one or the other up, I’d give up the vitamin in a heartbeat. I am dedicated to the probiotics!

I feel so much better if I regularly take a probiotic. If my kids skip their probiotics, they end up sick so much more often. We all love them. Wellness has become such a focus over the last year for many families, and I ALWAYS say to start with your gut. Heal and take care of your gut! Your whole body will thank you.

**As we grow older, our gut microbiotic community changes. Levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decline. These are known to help maintain gut health and immunity. They also help with a healthy inflammatory response. According to researched published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition, by supplementing, you can help to restore those levels! Who doesn’t want to “turn back the clock” to a time when their bodies were healthier? On top of that, supplementing can help reduce infections caught during hospital stays, help reduce allergic responses from common allergens, and help ease symptoms from the common cold! You can read more about all of this at www.probiotics.com.

Now, on to the specifics of Kyo-Dophilus Pro+ Synbiotic! These come pre-packaged in individual packets. Inside each packet are two berry smoothie flavored chewable tablets. Because I am to give an HONEST review, they do taste a bit chalky, so be forewarned. They are not horrible but it is not like drinking a smoothie. 😉 You can take them without a meal, which is great. It’s best to stick to a routine and take them at the same time each day. Chewing can send signals to your brain that help with feelings of fullness. Chew slowly and really soak it up.

Kyo-Dophilus Pro+ Synbiotic is Non-GMO, and soy/gluten/dairy free as well as being free of artificial colors and flavors. HALLELUJAH! It has been clinically studied and documented, so you know that they aren’t making baseless claims.

Since Pro+ Synbiotic is a combined prebiotic and probiotic, you get all of the benefits in these chewable tablets. The prebiotics pave the way and help make it so that the probiotics can do their job more efficiently. That is obviously over-simplifying it all, but that’s the best way to understand. Prebiotics roll out the red carpet.

My personal take on Kyo-Dophilus Pro+ synbiotic is that I love it. I really appreciate how easy it is to just grab and go. I love that it is a two-in one, so it eliminates the need to purchase one more product. Also, they don’t need to be refrigerated. As a mom of three, fridge space is a precious commodity, and I am thankful to not have to keep these in the fridge. My favorite thing is that it helps to eliminate my stomach pains. I have had a lot of stomach problems for years. Most foods cause a lot of bloating and pain for me, and it’s miserable. I started taking these when I was incredibly uncomfortable and could not figure out the cause. I still don’t know the cause, but taking Pro+ has helped me feel so much better.

If you are interested in trying Kyo-Dophilus Pro+ Synbiotic, you can go here and find a store near you. Any time you switch to a new probiotic, you can have some gas and bloating while your body adjusts. I did not have that problem, but I do want you to be aware that it is a possibility in case it happens to you.

Kyo-Dophilus has probiotics formulated for every age from infants up. They also have products specifically formulated for urinary tract health, nutrient digestion, and even for those 50+! It’s really nice to be able to focus on specific concerns that you may have with your body. You know your body best. If you want to take a quiz and see which product would best suit your needs, you can do that with this link.

**disclaimer– these studies were conducted by independent researchers and presented for educational purpose only. The subject products of the studies may be classified as dietary supplements in the US. Those dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always talk to your doctor.

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DIY Chili Seasoning and Heartburn Relief

January 9, 2021

I received this product for for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Chili. Is there any greater comfort food? It is warm and inviting. It’s versatile. You can add cheese to your bowl. Crackers. Peanut Butter sandwiches. Chili is just so good.

One of my FAVORITE ways to make any food healthier is to make my own spice mixes. When you buy the spice packets from the grocery store, you are also buying a LOT of sodium and other ingredients that you don’t need in your body. By making your own spice mixes, you get to control how much salt you are consuming. You also can control the amount of spice– making your dish more comfortable for you to eat if you need to. Or, making it so spicy that underneath your eyes starts sweating. It’s up to you.

Another hot tip for avoiding the digestive discomfort that comes with beans is to use dried beans. If you soak your dried beans overnight and prepare them properly, much of the gas and discomfort that many experience can be lessened significantly. Moving on to the Chili Seasoning Recipe!

You can add more cayenne pepper, or none at all. You can add less chili powder or more. You can also completely eliminate the salt if you need to. It is so versatile. Making my own spice mixes has been the easiest way to make our meals healthier. It also saves a lot of money and tastes much better!

Unfortunately, Chili also has the side effect of heartburn. I have suffered tremendously from heartburn since having my oldest child. But, I LOVE spicy and acidic foods. I just wish they loved me back. That is where Boiron Acidil Meltaway Tablets come in to play. Boiron Acidil is a homeopathic medicine that is made up of plant-based active ingredients that have been sustainably sourced. It relieves occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach, and bloating.* What I love about Acidil is that I just dissolve the tabs underneath my tongue. There is no flavor and I don’t have to take it with water. They ACTUALLY WORK. You can even take it before a meal and can be used by children who are 12 and older. The best part– there are no known drug interactions!

If you suffer from heartburn, you KNOW how miserable it can be. I love that I have found a homeopathic medicine that works so well for me. I can enjoy the comfort food without the discomfort! You can buy it at Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, Walgreens, RiteAid, Vitamin Shoppe, and online at Amazon.

I have been a big fan of Boiron products for YEARS. You can download the Boiron Medicine Finder app and search the symptoms that you are experiencing and find the homeopathic that is best. Here is a screen shot for you to see what the home page looks like.

Are you ready for even more fun? I get to give a great prize to you! One winner will receive a box of Acidil Meltaway Tablets, a Boiron apron, and an Acidil silicone spoon.

Enter the Giveaway HERE!

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

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Gut Connection™ Kids

October 9, 2020

I am really excited, because I get to share something fun with you today! We are all looking into ways to take better care of our bodies this year. My kids have been using Gut Connection Kids by Country Life for about a month now, and we are all loving it. It is a prebiotic, which I like to say is the red carpet being rolled out. A prebiotic helps to stimulate the growth of good bacteria in your gut. It is great to take alongside your regular probiotic, or on it’s own.

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I am a firm believer that most of our overall health is tied to the health of our gut. If you’ve been around this blog for any amount of time, you probably already know that. Study the microbiome and you will be amazed.

Gut Connection Kids has specifically formulated prebiotics to meet your needs. There is digestive balance, cognitive balance, immune balance, and sleep balance to choose from. You can focus on one area, or mix them up to focus on multiple

I am all about helping boost cognitive function in my kiddos. Hello, homeschooling! We immediately opened up that package and got to trying them out. My kids were especially excited that these prebiotics were elephant shaped. We went on a short camping trip recently, and took the immune boost prebiotic with us. While we were still incredibly cautious, we appreciated the extra boost. Every kid needs a digestive boost every now and then. I’m so thankful there are so many options. My kids have all said that they like the flavor of these. They describe them as sour. My six year old would eat them like candy if I let her. (Don’t let your kids eat them like candy..)

The sleep balance may be my favorite. Anything that helps my daughters get a good night of sleep is alright in my book. This can be blended with milk for a chocolate drink before bed. Or, you can make it into a treat as a smoothie. Here is a fun recipe for you to try!

Here are some facts about Gut Connection Kids:

•Gut Connection Kids by Country Life is a scientifically formulated
range of supplements that connects the gut to individual health
issues that matter.

• Gut Connection Kids by Country Life is one of the first children’s
formulas containing clinically studied Epicor® Whole Food
Fermentate prebiotic shown to support immune and gut health “Δ

• This whole food fermentate prebiotic is balanced with clinically researched ingredients for your overall health. • All products contain Epicor® yeast fermentate which reinforces the immune system’s first line of defense and provides FAST ACTING (within 2 hours) immune support!

Each product also includes clinically studied functional ingredients
to support a growing child’s unique needs.

• These products are intended for children aged 4–12. However,
adults can also take this product by following the directions for the
9–12 year old dosage.

∆Based on results from a study using a dynamic model representing GI digestion.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

We are all huge fans of Country Life vitamins in this house, and Gut Connection Kids prebiotics are no exception!

You can purchase your own at countrylifevitamins.com or at momsmeet.link/countrylifeshop and use the code MOMS20 at checkout for 20% off!

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Kid Smart

January 27, 2020

Let’s talk Fish Oil! By now, everyone has probably heard of it– but how much do you know? We’ve all heard that it is good for our hearts and brains, but why? This article is really great about the benefits of adding fish oil to your diet and the science behind it.

Bioglan Kids Smart Omega-3 fish oil has made its way into our vitamin lineup. Our kids take daily multivitamins, probiotics, and elderberry. Now, they get a fun fish added in– and they honestly look forward to it.

At first, I thought there was no way I was going to convince them to take fish oil. I always pictured it tasting fishy and gross, to be completely honest. But, I know the importance of taking fish oil– especially in a family with a huge history of heart disease. I tried Kid Smart burstlets before offering them to my kids, and I was so surprised! It is fruity and delicious with NO fishy taste whatsoever! It didn’t take any convincing for them to love it. You can snip or twist the tail off and squeeze it into your mouth, or eat it as is.

Fish oil provides two essential omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). As both are essential fatty acids our bodies cannot produce, it is important that we get them from either the food we eat or supplements. If you don’t like fish, a fish oil supplement is the perfect solution!

So, why chose Kids Smart fish oil over other brands on the market? Well, Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets provide up to 10x more fish oil than other kids’ supplements. There are 500 mg of fish oil, 133 mg of DHA, and 28 mg of EPA in each burstlet! That’s a LOT of brain boosting power! They are free of gluten, yeast, wheat, and dairy– a huge bonus for this food allergy mama! Not only are they really good for my children, they have been fun for them to take!

We start our day with breakfast and our vitamins and supplements. For those who don’t know, I am a homeschooling parent. I have been able to get a front row seat to the difference in my children’s learning with an Omega-3 supplement added in. We are up against dyslexia and ADHD in our home. I’ve seen a positive change in my child’s focus and grades– and that is just my experience. I’m not a doctor. If you have concerns, please be sure to talk to your doctor or naturopath.

You can connect with Kids Smart on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Realhealth.com to keep up with new information and brand announcements!

Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets can be purchased on Amazon. Save 20% when you purchase a 30-count bottle of Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets on momsmeet.link/kidssmartamzn Amazon with the promo code 20MM20KS. This offer ends March 14, 2020.

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