Month: April 2023

13 Mother’s Day Gifts That You Really Can’t Go Wrong With

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1. See’s Chocolate

I don’t know many moms that don’t enjoy chocolate. I love chocolate. I definitely inherited that from my mom. She always had a Hershey bar stashed somewhere. I feel like growing up I was always surrounded by chocolate. But never sees chocolate! One time a friend of ours gifted us a box of see’s chocolate and I’ve been hooked ever since! Requesting these on all occasions! Especially the truffles! Their chocolate truffles are so sweet and perfect! Your mom will love them! Trust me!

2. A Deep Tissue Massage

What mom doesn’t need a little relaxing moment. A moment away from the noise and a moment of focus on just being. Body massages don’t just feel good, they are also full of healing powers. We mothers are go go go, it’s rare when we get time for ourselves and it’s rare when we use our time to do something for ourselves. It just doesn’t normally happen! Your mom is busy! Get your mom a massage, she’ll love it and she deserves it.

3. Mani And Pedi

Moms need pampering too! I don’t know a mom who doesn’t enjoy getting her nails done once in awhile. It’s more than just getting the nails done, it’s a whole experience if at the right place! Do your research and get her a gift certificate to a good one! Read the reviews! They can really help with eliminating the bad places. Maybe, you can go with her. She’ll love that!

4. Gift Cards To Her Favorite Places (there’s nothing wrong with gift cards)

There’s seems to be some notion that gift cards are thoughtless. Well, as you get older I think many appreciate gift cards more vs. getting something that’s just really is not your style or vibe. Find out your moms favorite shops and give her the gift to choose! Moms love getting out! And what better excuse than, I really need to go use this gift card that my loving child got me. Or you could take her shopping yourself! Have a moment like in The Sweetest Thing where they are just having a blast trying on all these different types of clothes!

5. A Staycation (planned ahead)

First of all, if you plan this for your mom she’ll probably cry. Who doesn’t love a little getaway! And with her family, oh my goodness. Great memories are priceless. Now this is something you’ll have to plan ahead. Make a note for next year if it’s too late and maybe get dad involved! This is a great one she will really love! But tell her in advance so she can shop!

6. A Dinner Night With The Girls

Here’s what I’m thinking, maybe get her a little box with some wine or her favorite drink, a pair of new heels, and a dress, and write a note saying for your next girls night. Or call up her friends and get the friends involved! Get creative! I’m sure they would love that! You can also find certificates for wine tastings, or painting classes, just something that she can do with her friends!

7. Candles

Candles are the best. And these make great gifts. I don’t think any mom can have too many yummy smelling candles. They are soothing and comforting. Candles can be kinda pricey too which is why they make great gifts. The candles by Heart And Hearth at Target are wonderful!

8. Bath And Body Works Goodies

You cannot go wrong here. Soaps, hand creams, more candles, body sprays, etc. And it all smells so yummy! This is a great place to find a Mother’s Day gift when you’re in a rush! They usually have great deals too like buy 3 get one free, which means you get a little gift out of this too! Love this place!

9. A Meaningful Piece Of Jewelry

There can be deep meanings behind jewelry. This is a beautiful gift to put some thought into. Does she wear rings? Necklaces? Bracelets? What is she really into? Is there something specific that makes you think of your mom that can be put on a piece of jewelry? Maybe you can get matching jewelry. You two will feel close even when you aren’t together.

10. Pajamas/Comfy Clothes

There is no limit on pajamas and comfy clothes. Your moms going to love this gift. And you can find cute pajamas and comfy clothes everywhere! Even Amazon has some really cute clothes!

11. Flower Pots

If your mom is into plants she’ll really appreciate this gift! Many times we gift people plants but no flower pot! Or maybe your moms plants are thriving and she needs to repot! This would be perfect! Or maybe you can get her a plant and transport it yourself to a super cute flower pot. Either way, plant/flower pots are great for the green thumb mama.

12. Something Homemade

Let your artistic side shine and make something for your mom! I guarantee she’ll treasure it forever! Homemade gifts are such loving gifts. It shows that you put your love and energy and focus into something just for her. How can you not feel special when you receive a homemade gift. You’re going to make her cry! Tears of happiness of course.

13. Your Time

The best gift that you can give her, is your time. Spend time with your mom. Give yourself to her for the day and just be present with her. Whether it’s snuggling up and watching movies, going for a walk, making cookies together. Your time is more valuable than anything. You are enough. And your mom loves you so much. Tell her how much you love her, hug her, and repeat. Moms never get tired of hearing I love you mom.

Thai Rice Noodle Soup With Red Curry

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What You Need:

1 lb to 1 1/2 lbs of cooked chopped chicken breast or tenders (shrimp would be delish with this too)

click here for my cheat sheet on not overcooking your chicken

1 pack of rice noodles (usually a pack is 6.75 oz, but I only add 3/4 of the pack of rice noodles)

6 cups of chicken broth

3 tablespoons of red curry paste or green curry paste (I’ve tried this recipe with both)

1 red bell pepper chopped up

1 tablespoon of grated ginger (optional)

1/2 to 3/4 sweet onion chopped

4 cloves of garlic minced

1 can coconut milk unsweetened (not the fat free either)

3 teaspoons of light brown sugar give or take

1 tablespoon of fish sauce

Salt and pepper for taste

1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro plus more for garnish

A handful of freshly chopped basil (optional but recommend)

Thinly sliced green onion for garnish (optional)

Steps:

1. Cook your chopped chicken on a nonstick skillet on low medium heat for 6 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. In a large pot drizzle 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft. Stir in the red curry paste and ginger if using for about 1 minute.

3. Add your chicken broth and coconut milk. Add the brown sugar and fish sauce. Seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, then to a low simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mix together.

4. Add 3/4 of your packed rice noodles to the pot and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Allow to cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add your chicken. Mix well.

5. Serve immediately in bowls with fresh lime juice, chopped basil, sliced green onion, cilantro, and ENJOY!

Maple Cinnamon Apples Made In The Skillet

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What You Need:

2-3 apples chopped (skin left on)

2 tablespoons of water

A few dashes of cinnamon

1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup

1 tablespoon of granola (optional)

Steps:

1. Chop your apples and place in skillet with the 2 tablespoons of water. Place lid and allow to simmer on a medium low for 5 mins.

2. Add the butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the skillet and place the lid on the skillet and allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until soft. Throw in some granola while hot and toss around (optional)

Top with ice cream or whip cream! Enjoy!

Easy Homemade Granola

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What You Need:

4 cups of oats

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

1/3 cup of real maple syrup

1/4 cup of unsalted butter melted

Steps:

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Add all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and mix well with hands.

2. Scatter uncooked granola on sheet and bake at 300 for 45 mins, mixing one or two times in between. Allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

Sprinkle on ice cream, top with yogurt, or eat as is! Enjoy!

Easy Roasted Asparagus

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Servings: 2-4 people

What You Need:

1 bundle of asparagus

3-4 tablespoons of olive oil

Salt and pepper (measure with your heart)

Italian breadcrumbs (measure with your heart)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 and line a cooking sheet with foil.

2 Place asparagus on the pan, drizzle with olive oil, dash with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with bread crumbs.

3. Get your hand in there and mix it up! Place in the oven and bake for 25 mins.

Enjoy!

We Had Ferrets When I Was A Kid

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What animals make the best/worst pets?

When I was younger, maybe around 11 or 12 years old we had ferrets. We had a total of 3. Buddy was the name of one of them, he was the favorite child. And the other two I can’t recall. One was albino with red eyes, and the other one I remember was just bully like behavior.

How ferrets came to be in our family, I have no idea. It was like growing up in a pet shop. And what I remember most about these little creatures that were indeed very cute by the way was their stench and their poop. It was horrific.

I am in my thirties and I can still see the images of ferret poop in my head! Pure mush. They were so smelly too! Why ferrets reek like, like, I don’t even know what to pin to their scent but it’s not pleasant.

Scattered newspaper in their cage and lots of poop scattered with it.

Not an animal I would recommend.

We Are All Unique

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Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?

Makes a person unique?

Each one of us is a unique individual. We each possess a different story. Each of us are like a walking diary. Some of us have similar stories one could say, but like snowflakes, no two are alike.

To exist is to be unique.

To identify or better understand “the uniqueness” of individuals is to ask questions, listen, and not be afraid to get deep. The other person has to be willing to share and if they do consider that a treasure. The key is in our pocket. It’s up to us if we want to let others open us up.

When we are vulnerable and willing to expose ourselves that is when others can see how unique and special we really are. Although we should know in our hearts that we each are unique. Validation is not necessary.

Each of us a walking mystery. And each of us have readers that want answers. They want to celebrate the uniqueness that we are.

You, reader, are unique. I don’t even know you. But I know that you are one of kind. I know that you have purpose.

I hope you know that too.

I Think I Knew Better…

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When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was five I wasn’t thinking about being a grown up.

I was thinking about cinnamon toast, swimming with friends, chasing the gingerbread man at school.

I don’t recall being eager to grow up. I feel like I was just living and having fun.

I had a huge brown cardboard box that stored all my Barbie’s. I had stencils of roses along my room. My mom was really into stencils. I had best friend named Katherine. And I kinda had a boyfriend, his name was Jerry. He was my first kiss! He shared his zebra gum with me.

Age 5 was so innocent. So fun. I don’t recall at that age wanting to be a grown up. I think I knew better. I think I knew I was living the real joy, just being a kid.