Delicious Roasted Asparagus

When I was a kid we ate brocolli, green beans, and corn. I had no idea what asparagus was, except maybe from a Veggie Tales cartoon =)
As I’ve gotten older and decided to try new things, asparagus has become one of my favorite veggies. They are usually a pretty quick fix, and I can throw them on the grill, sautee them, or roast them and they always turn out delicious.
Check out this great roasted asparagus recipe and let me know what you think!
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and trim off the hard ends of the asparagus. Toss with 5 Tbsp of olive oil, 1 Tbsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
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Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.  Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese or squeeze some lemon juice over them while still hot.
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Skinny By Summer Detox Smoothie

If you’re anything like me this warm weather kind of just creeped up on me – out of no where. I mean I knew it was coming, I guess I was just not expecting it to come so quickly, you know??

So to get a boost I’ve decided to start making these detox smoothies, and I have to admit they are pretty tasty. Sometimes I add spinach along with the kale, just because I don’t think you can really taste it, so I try to get as many veggies in as I possibly can. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

Ingredients (2)

1 Apple cut up
A large handful of Kale
1/2 to a whole Banana
A large handful of Strawberries (The more you add the sweeter + I like to freeze mine to make the smoothie really cold)
1/4 to 1 Cup Vanilla Almond Milk (depending on how thick you want it

Directions:

Chop all ingredients up and toss into blender.  Before you start blending add the Almond Milk.  Garnish with strawberries and enjoy!  This smoothie cleanses the liver and jumpstarts your metabolism.

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Busy Mom? Here’s How To Stay Fit And Healthy

Want to get fit and healthy but don’t think you can fit in the time because you are looking after the kids? Read on to find out some simple ways to tackle this problem.

 

Walk Everywhere

 

Walking everywhere is your first step to fitness after you have had a baby. As tempting as it might be to drive everywhere, you will save time and build up your fitness more if you use your feet rather than your wheels. Walking burns a serious amount of calories, especially if you walk at a good pace. You will also be pushing a stroller weighed down with diaper bags, bottles and spare clothes, so think of all that great toning you will miss out on if you get in the car.

 

Stroller Fitness

 

Stroller fitness is a bit of a new craze that has become very successful with new mothers. Having time away from the baby can be a stressful time for you and the newborn. Any fitness exercises that you can do when you are together are going to be a bonus. Plus, you have the added benefit of getting some much-needed adult company. It’s nice to talk to someone who not only understands what you say, but also how you feel! Other moms who are in exactly the same situation as you. It’s great for the self-confidence and, of course, your health.

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[Image credit]

 

Yoga

 

Yoga is an amazing way to develop your core strength – something that many women lose while pregnant! There are hundreds of DVDs or online videos that can teach you the basics, and it is something you can do while the kids chill out with a good book or a game. You can even do it when they have gone to bed, safe in the knowledge that it is a much quieter activity than a full-on workout. There is far less chance you will wake the kids when you aren’t jumping around like a lunatic!

 

Health Insurance Marketplaces

 

Part of staying fit and healthy is feeling reassured. You need to be safe in the knowledge that if you become ill or have an accident, it won’t cost you your entire life savings. Now you have children, it might be time to look into your health insurance. If things don’t quite suit your situation anymore, looking into a health benefit exchange could be good for you. Health insurance exchanges are online marketplaces where you can work out the best insurance plans for your circumstances. They can also help you find cost assistance for certain medical areas.

 

Ask For Help

 

Many new mothers want to believe that they can do everything for themselves. They will often think that they shouldn’t ask for help and that they would look weak for doing so. But asking for help is not weak. In fact, it is sensible! People will be glad to help you out when you are feeling the pressure, and it will give you the time you need for a brisk walk, run, or a workout. If having some time out will help you keep sane and healthy enough to look after your children, it is nothing to be ashamed about.

How did you get fit after your pregnancy? Why not help other moms by sharing your experiences?

 

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Making Potty Training Fun

This review and giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Potty training can be one of the hardest transitions for little ones – It’s not something they do once and they have it down. Sometimes it can take weeks – even months – for them to learn, and even then well, accidents happen.

There are some ways to help both you and your little one with the transition and instead of making it a stressful situation -bring a little fun into it! Not only will it help your child relax, but believe it or not, it will help you too!

When we first started off on our potty training adventure, we took a trip to the library for some books & videos to really introduce them to potty training and how awesome it is. You know if Elmo tells you to be a big boy or girl, you want to be a big boy or girl!

When I knew that we would be at home for a long period of time, I would let my kids ‘streak’ – well almost. They would wear a long shirt, and no bottoms so that if they could actually feel the air, and also would stimulate them wanting to go to the bathroom. Since there isn’t anything there to ‘catch’ an accident, they were a lot more likely to go running for the potty instead of continuing to play as their diaper filled up. My oldest caught on to this and would go put her own pull-up on, so it might not work for everyone!

Charts and stickers (as well as rewards) worked pretty well for all of my children. I would give them a sticker for making an effort (even if it resulted in a slight accident) and a gold star for no mess at all – they all wanted those gold stars, so it definitely helped with remembering to go. They cashed in their stickers for cool undies with super heroes or princesses on them – (shh! They don’t need to know I was buying them anyway!)

For my son ‘sinking the ship’ was quite entertaining for him..in fact, he still likes to do it on occasion. Keep a small box/container of cereal (Cheerios works best) and throw a few into the toilet. Let him aim to sink the ship – and I promise you your little guy will spend plenty of time in the bathroom!

Buy fun/colorful Pampers EasyUps . Easy Ups have been a life saver for all three of my kids. Nothing makes them feel more like a big boy or  girl, than putting on ‘big boy’ or ‘big girl’ undies like Mom and Dad. Pampers EasyUps gives them the freedom to feel grown up, whether at home, in the  car, or at the store – and you the peace of mind knowing that Pampers Easy Ups has 5-star leak protection – so you know you won’t have an embarrassing mess to clean up!

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Please join @Pampers on April 21st from 9-10pmEST as they host a Twitter Party with Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician, award-winning parenting book author and potty training expert who co-authored to Its You and Me Against the Pee…and the Poop, Too! RSVP here:http://vite.io/doubledutydivas

 

Pampers_Prize_Pack

Enter to win a pack of Pampers Easy Ups. a Little Looster Step Stool, a Potty Ring, a “It’s You and Me against the Pee… and Poop too!” book and a $50 AMEX gift card.

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Acai Fruit Bowl

Ingredients

2 frozen acai packets
1 banana
blueberries
raspberries,
shredded coconut
kiwi
Chia seeds
Any topping you wish
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Blend the frozen acai and the banana in a food processor until smooth. Pour in a bowl and top it off with your favorite fruits and berries, coconut, granola….etc.

Enjoy!

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