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Joe has completed numerous obstacle races and I always thought it would be fun to make one for the kids. My girls love to run, jump, play, and roll around in the grass. They also have eczema and sensitive skin in general which can put a serious damper on all the fun. all® free clear detergent is one tool in my arsenal to make sure my kids can live free from sensitive skin worries. It's always necessary to pay attention to what I'm putting on their bodies, in their bath, and on their clothing, but during the dry months of winter and the summer months filled with allergens, itchy grass, and sweat, it becomes even more of a priority. Here's how I created a fun backyard obstacle course with 6 challenges and how using all® free clear detergent keeps me from freaking out at the thought of their sensitive skin and clothing covered in sweat and grass!
I can't believe summer is more than halfway over! It's been full of fun and memory making, but as the start of school draws closer, I'm getting back to organization. I have a running list of organizational projects to make life easier and making a few 'go bags' has been one of them. I keep a few essentials in my purse or car, but thought it was time to make sure I'm prepared for anything that comes my way while we're out- wiping off a grimy table at the park, a bird pooping all over me while at the pool (true story), or cleaning up big messes from on-the-go snacking (more on that later). Wherever we go, clean up is usually part of the game so I added Viva Towels to bags for the car, the park, and the pool. Here's what's in them:
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It's that time of year you guys. Spring. Spring means many amazing things. It means flowers, and warmer weather, and pedicures in preparation for sandals, and well, new life. You know what else it means? Spring cleaning. Maybe not as fun as a pedicure, but totally necessary. When it comes to spring cleaning, I have to admit, this meme resonates:
One way to get a jump on things is to hire someone. There I said it. If you know me or have read this blog for longer than 5 minutes, you know I'm pretty frugal. But having someone else clean my home for hours (which would take me at least double that with the constant interruptions of three kiddos) was like whoa. Whether you are looking for a regular housekeeping service, want to get a jump on spring cleaning, or can't think of what to ask for for Mother's Day (hello, gift idea!), Natural Home Detailing could be just what you're looking for. Natural Home Detailing is a fully bonded and insured Raleigh area cleaning company that provides affordable cleaning services using all natural eco-friendly cleaning products which are safe around kiddos and pets. They offer basic and deep cleaning packages to suit your needs.
It was refreshing to walk into a clean home that didn't smell of harsh chemicals. I have just begun to replace my standby cleaning products with chemical free products. Using this service was an opportunity to see firsthand that natural products really work. Whether you've been on a green streak for some time or are just beginning the process like myself, it's nice to know there are options available.
As for the actual service, they were prompt and professional. They worked with my specific concerns (using a feather duster around my painted kitchen cabinets for instance) and worked around my piles. Some of the areas I have a hard time with, like the shower door, were spotless. The kitchen in particular looked as good as new--the appliances looked like they did the day Home Depot delivered them! It really was such an amazing feeling to walk into a clean home with minimal effort on my part. Those vacuum stripes are everything you guys! ;) If you're looking to give yourself a break for a once in a while treat or on the regular, I recommend Natural Home Detailing. Visit them on Facebook for more information.
Happy weekend! May it be filled with more fun, less housekeeping. ;)
I know Pinterest has made recipe posts irrelevant but I'm digging my heels in and posting about recipes anyway. One thing I've noticed about recipes on Pinterest is that they A) don't seem to have been tested or have reviews and/or B) all say that they are the BEST "X" you've ever had. I'm sorry, but sometimes (in fact, oftentimes) that's just not true! So here are my top FIVE easy weeknight chicken recipes that have been tested and Joe and Tiff (and other family members) approved:
I should say this isn't necessarily the order I like them best. My "favorite" changes depending on what I'm in the mood for. And yes I know I said top 5 but then I remembered a Pinterest one that has made its way into the rotation.
1. Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu. I've been making this for years. In fact, I made it tonight and my husband (who didn't know I planned on this post) said "I think that's my favorite meal." Of course he says that about a handful of meals but I guess I'm insecure because I never tire of getting kudos when it comes to meal planning/cooking!
2. French's Crunchy Onion Chicken. I saw the French's commercial for this last year and it worked like a charm. It looked so yummy that I grabbed a box of French's on the next grocery trip. And the one after that. And the one after that. To make this one even tastier (and more indulgent), pound the chicken to about a 1/2 inch thickness. You have to increase the "batter," by about half but it's totally worth it. mmmmm.
3. Easy Garlic Chicken. I found this one on Pinterest. If you don't like garlic this one is not for you. But if you do, the few ingredients blend together just right. And a bonus--you probably will always have these few ingredients on hand.
4. Rachael Ray Honey Nut Chicken Sticks. This is another I've been making for years. But I have to say it's the least "easy" of the six. It's not complicated in terms of instructions; it just takes a lot of ingredients and a bit of blending. It only takes 15 minutes to bake once you've put it all together and it's SO good. As a side note I always use generic Honey Bunches of Oats. (photo from here).
5. Monterrey Chicken. This is probably the newest addition to my faves. I always ask my sister-in-law (who's great at sniffing out delish new recipes) what was her new fave and this is the one she mentioned. Thanks sis!
6. Stove Top Sweet Citrus Chicken. Another Kraft favorite. And only a few ingredients to boot. To clarify, by "Stove Top" it means the brand of stuffing. It does require baking. (photo from here).
I should say this isn't necessarily the order I like them best. My "favorite" changes depending on what I'm in the mood for. And yes I know I said top 5 but then I remembered a Pinterest one that has made its way into the rotation.
1. Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu. I've been making this for years. In fact, I made it tonight and my husband (who didn't know I planned on this post) said "I think that's my favorite meal." Of course he says that about a handful of meals but I guess I'm insecure because I never tire of getting kudos when it comes to meal planning/cooking!
2. French's Crunchy Onion Chicken. I saw the French's commercial for this last year and it worked like a charm. It looked so yummy that I grabbed a box of French's on the next grocery trip. And the one after that. And the one after that. To make this one even tastier (and more indulgent), pound the chicken to about a 1/2 inch thickness. You have to increase the "batter," by about half but it's totally worth it. mmmmm.
3. Easy Garlic Chicken. I found this one on Pinterest. If you don't like garlic this one is not for you. But if you do, the few ingredients blend together just right. And a bonus--you probably will always have these few ingredients on hand.
4. Rachael Ray Honey Nut Chicken Sticks. This is another I've been making for years. But I have to say it's the least "easy" of the six. It's not complicated in terms of instructions; it just takes a lot of ingredients and a bit of blending. It only takes 15 minutes to bake once you've put it all together and it's SO good. As a side note I always use generic Honey Bunches of Oats. (photo from here).
5. Monterrey Chicken. This is probably the newest addition to my faves. I always ask my sister-in-law (who's great at sniffing out delish new recipes) what was her new fave and this is the one she mentioned. Thanks sis!
6. Stove Top Sweet Citrus Chicken. Another Kraft favorite. And only a few ingredients to boot. To clarify, by "Stove Top" it means the brand of stuffing. It does require baking. (photo from here).
I'm always looking for good & easy chicken recipes. What are your favorites?







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