Category Archives: Uncategorized

Salsa, Maury, & Friendship

a4

Can chips and salsa alone be considered a meal? At my house, it sure can! When a very sweet friend called to say she was coming over to visit and bringing some fresh veggies from her garden, I was in heaven (my own garden did very poorly this summer, due to extreme temps. and a drought). Her gift consisted of a huge brown paper bag filled to the brim with tomatoes, zucchini, and corn.

Seeing all those yummy tomatoes made me instantly start craving salsa. Fortunately, I had every needed ingredient on hand and mixed them with some onions, lime juice, garlic, and tons of cilantro. Oh, and salt; we are salt freaks!

Without the least bit of shame, I’m admitting we majorly pigged out, finishing the entire bowl and a family size bag of chips—just the two of us! As we enjoyed a snack attack, we watched two back-to-back episodes of Maury. (You ARE the father! No, I’m not…Yes, you are!!!) How is it that a show devoted entirely to paternity tests remains exciting to watch every.single.time?! I’ve been a Maury fan for over 20 years and will be one forever.

MauryPovichPaternityTest

While it’s normal to look forward to holidays and special events, sometimes we underestimate how much fun a “normal and boring” day can actually be. Some food, a friend, tons of laughs, and a little trash TV—sounds like an awesome time to me.

Totally Terrific Turkey Burgers

tbb

Do the words “burgers on the grill” make your mouth water? If so, we are soulmates! Around here, we’re kind of obsessed with burgers and barbequing. While we definitely prefer beef, I like to experiment with turkey, too, especially if we’re having guests that don’t eat red meat, or if I stock up at a super low price (both were the case this weekend). These were so yummy, my friend’s 11-year-old said they were “totally terrific.”

To make Totally Terrific Turkey Burgers, you will need:

  • 2 lbs. of ground turkey (I used Jennie-o 93% lean.)
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 cup fresh herbs (I love cilantro, parsley, or basil.)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt/pepper to taste

Puree the onion, herbs, garlic, and salt/pepper together in a food processor. Combine with turkey and breadcrumbs. (Don’t overmix or the mixture will become tough.) Shape into patties. These can be stores overnight or grilled immediately.

While poultry should always be fully cooked, be careful not to overcook. Turkey has a tendency to dry out very, very quickly. I served two quick sides of sautéed onions and asparagus and Black Bean Salad. They would also pair nicely with Triple Sesame String Beans and plain corn on the cob.

a26

 

Do you have a great burger recipe? I’d love to try it!

Stuffy Noses Need a NeliMed Naspira

Naspira-FRONT

As a mom, there is nothing I dread more than dealing with a sick child. For the most part, mine are healthy and I’ve been lucky, but when I start to hear coughing and sniffling, my heart drops.

Before rushing out to the Pediatrician, I prefer to try at-home, non medical solutions. (Obviously, if they need medical care, we head to the doctor, but antibiotics are never my first choice.)

Recently I was offered the chance to review a NeliMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator. With a long, complicated name like that, I was worried it might be hard to use. Guess what, it was super easy!

The Naspira has these great features:

  • Disposable filters to reduce contamination risk
  • Components pull apart for easy cleaning
  • Multi-use
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Dishwasher safe for easy sterilization
  • Made of high-grade, safe silicone
  • Transparent design
  • Good for babies & toddlers

Naspira-PT01

The unique 2-in-1 design allows it to be used like a regular bulb aspirator—something most of us are familiar with—or it can be used as a suction device. To suction, one side goes in your mouth and the other in baby’s nose. Gently suck, just like with a straw, to quickly and easily remove mucus. Do not worry that anything gross will get into your mouth! I had my own concerns about that, obviously, but it didn’t happen.

Properly cleaned and stored, the Napsira can last a long time and can also be used for multiple children. Since the retail cost is less than $15.00, it’s a safe, affordable solution for dealing with congestion.

NeilMed products can be found at drug store, big box stores, Babies ‘R Us and online. They have options for adults as well, like Netti Pots and saline sprays. I really liked being able to treat without medicine as a first defense and would definitely use the Naspira again in the future.

 

As a Moms Meet blogger, I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Premama Digestive Aid – A Pregnancy Lifesaver

pGNC1-24358297dt

I always say that being a mother is wonderful, but being pregnant is a nightmare! Between the weight gain, swelling, and endless morning sickness, those nine months can feel like ninety. One of the things that really helped me were products made by Premama. Their prenatal vitamin powder was a lifesaver when keeping even a bite of food down seemed impossible.

The newest product to join the line is an excellent probiotic/digestive aid. Formulated to help maintain digestive balance and boost the immune system naturally, Premama Digestive Aid delivers a daily probiotic solution in a delicious vanilla caramel-flavored chew. Each chew contains 2g of dietary fiber and 1 billion+ CFUs of probiotics, which have shown through research to help maintain a healthy intestinal balance and support immune function, and may also help ease constipation, bloating, and other minor digestive discomforts associated with pregnancy. The vegetarian, naturally flavored chews can be eaten 1-4 times daily and are available in packs of 28.

Unlike many chews, I found the flavor to be good and there is no aftertaste. Having a chew, rather than a pill or liquid, is wonderful for anyone who is on the go and may not have access to water. (Ok, I was on bed rest, but many ladies do stay active during pregnancy.)

Pregnancy can be rough, no doubt about it! But using the right supplements can make the misery just a bit more bearable.