DIY Bird Feeder

Every Spring I say I am going to have the kids help me make bird feeders. Every. Single. Year.

But this year, I actually did it. Quick, easy, and surprisingly, not even messy DIY Bird Feeders.



All you need is 4 items.

Bird Seed
Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
String
Toilet Paper roll



First, I put the string through and tied a knot in it.

Use a spoon or plastic knife and spread on the peanut butter. You don't want it to be too thin because you need something for the seeds to stick to.







Then set your toilet paper roll on the plate of seeds and roll





The kids LOVED rolling in the bird seed. Except Zach. But he is 14 and wasn't super excited to do the project with us! Darn teenagers!







These bird feeders are really that easy! Then we went out to our backyard and hung them on a tree, ready for little birdies to come have a snack on their new bird feeder!

Buffalo Chicken Bowl

If you have been around my blog for any time at all you know I love to share recipes of all kind. I share breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, kid friendly, healthy, fatty, foods of all kinds.

Lately I have been trying to make more and more healthy versions of food so that I have more options as I am working through my fitness journey. Buffalo Chicken isn't exactly something I thought I would ever eat. I am not into super spicy foods so it didn't really appeal to me that much. But after looking through  a bunch of healthy recipes I kept seeing one particular ingredient that was the same. Hot Sauce.



This Buffalo Chicken Bowl is great because I don't just get one meal out of it. I actually eat it for lunch and dinners off and on all week. #TheNewComfortFood



I love Foster Farms because it is locally grown, and that makes me feel great about feeding it to my family. Pacific Northwest grown food means that it is always fresh, and that it important.

Foster Farms Simply Raised fresh chicken is independently audited and certified by the American Humane Association. They also follow the animal welfare guidelines set forth by the National Chicken Council and have been instrumental in helping to advance animal welfare in the poultry industry.

Foster Farms is audited numerous times each year by independent third-party auditors at the request of retailers and food service customers to ensure animal welfare standards. The audits take place at the company’s hatchery, ranches and processing facilities.

Healthy chickens contribute to a safe and wholesome food supply. We prioritize the health and welfare of our broilers through all stages of life. Their program emphasizes preventative flock health programs, proper nutrition and advanced husbandry practices.



One of my favorite parts of it is the "ranch" that is a healthy version. Any time I can make something a healthier version, it makes me feel like I am doing something good for myself.





"Ranch" spread over the top is delicious!



Ingredients:

• 2 can corn


• 2 can black beans


• 3 avocado


• 2 tomato


• 6 chicken breasts (I used Foster Farms Simply Raised fresh chicken contains No Antibiotics Ever)


• 1 C Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce


• 2 tsp. minced garlic


• 1 packet Hidden Valley Greek Yogurt Dressing


• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt


• 3 tablespoons milk (I used fat free milk)

Directions:

1. Put your chicken, garlic, and hot sauce into the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. Afterwards, shred it with 2 forks.


2. In a separate bowl, mix the Hidden Valley Greek Yogurt Dressing, Greek yogurt and milk together and refrigerate while finishing up with other ingredients.


3. Drain and rinse your corn and black beans and add them to a bowl. Cut up the tomatoes and avocado and add them to the bowl.


4. Add the vegetables and chicken and mix together. Top with the Healthy Greek Yogurt ranch.

Yields 6 servings
21 Day Fix approved: 2 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Blue, 1/2 Green



What is one of your favorite healthy meals?

10 Ways to Stay Motivated during your Fitness Journey

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and alli® weight loss aid. All opinions are mine alone. #alliInMyLife #Before #CollectiveBias

Weight is something I have struggled with most of my life, and after 3 kids, it surely hasn't gotten any easier. I actually like working out. Maybe not the first few days, but once I get settled into a routine and keep it going it is just a part of my day that I enjoy. The single biggest deterrent for me is actually starting.... Right, doing that very first workout! It is hard! But you do it and it makes you feel good and after a short time you start seeing results and that gives you that excitement to keep it going!

So then what's the problem?



The problem is that there are temptations all around us. Temptation to skip workouts, temptation to eat cookies instead of carrots, drink soda instead of water.



One thing I am doing differently this time around is alli® weight loss aid.

alli® weight loss aid is the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss aid on the market.

It blocks 25% of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your body.

So I picked up the box from Walgreens.



How do you know if alli® weight loss aid* is right for you?

It is for:

-Overweight adults (BMI > 25) who are 18 years or older.

-Women who are NOT pregnant or nursing.

-People who will be consuming a reduced-calorie and low fat diet.

So today is day one of this new journey. I figured I'd spare you from seeing a "before" in a bikini. We've been there and I know you don't want to see it again! But here is what I look like today, fully clothed.



I had my 14 year old take my pictures and he told me to "say cheeseburgers". Little stinker!

I know that staying motivated during your weight loss journey isn't easy. So today I am trying to set you up with a couple of tips and tools to help you and me!

Here are 10 Ways to Stay Motivated during your fitness journey:

1. "Before and after" pictures, weight and measurements

I understand that you may not want a "before" picture to look back on. But I am here to tell you that Yes, you do! When you get down the road, and maybe are struggling, looking back on that before photo, or your measurements and see how far you have come, could just be that breaking point to get you back on track.

2. Find an accountability partner.

Find someone that can help you stay on track. Don't have someone? Find me on Instagram and follow me. Tell me you need an accountability partner and I will follow you back and be that partner for you! (follow me here)

3. Keep track of your water intake (And don't drink your calories)

I know drinking water can sometimes be hard. Some people don't like it, and most people don't get enough! You should really be drinking half of your body weight in oz! Yeah, I know that is a lot! I love water but even I don't get the amount I need every day. So to mix it up I will add cucumber and lemon. That is my favorite combo. But sometimes I add fruit, like oranges and strawberries just to make it different.

One thing I do is fill up a gallon jug to keep me on track!

4. Meal prep and keep track of your food (cook at home)

Meal prepping isn't for everyone. But it is a key to my success and when I meal prep I do so much better with my food intake. I end up with containers full of fresh fruit and veggies that I can easily pack into a small container if I am going somewhere and it helps me avoid temptations, like running through a drive-thru!

And doesn't this all look delicious?

5. Work out every day

I know, it is hard! You work, you have kids to take care of, you go to school, or maybe you do all of the above... But you can find easy workouts that you can do each day. Even if it means getting up 30 minutes earlier to get your workout in before you have to head out the door,  going for a walk during your lunch break, working out with your kids sitting right next to you. But find the time to get it in!

6. Limit what you are eating late in the evening. (apples and pb, veggies, string cheese, greek yogurt)

I am terrible at taking this piece of advice! Come late in the evening I get my kids in bed and my husband and I raid the fridge and pantry. We are pulling out ice cream, candy, chips, whatever we need to fulfil that craving. But that is partly where the meal planning comes in. Plan to have snacks for in the evening like Greek yogurt and add some fruit into it. Or eat a string cheese, or have apple slices with peanut butter.

7. Don't let the weekend ruin your progress

Another hard one for me! We don't typically eat out during the week. So if we're going to do it it's going to happen on the weekend. And I am not very good about eating from the "healthy" menu! But you don't want to spend all week eating great and exercising and then ruining all your progress on the weekend. So limit your alcohol, skip the fried food, take a healthier option to your friends BBQ.

8. Celebrate your "non scale victories"

Not sure what a non scale victory is? It is when your clothes start to fit you better. When you realize you are having less cravings. Maybe you are sleeping better or push ups don't feel quite so hard. Celebrate those milestones because it means that you are doing something right.

9. Reward yourself. But not with food.

I made a chart before summer to keep track of not only my weight loss, but the milestones I wanted to hit and the rewards I would give myself once I hit them. Have you ever heard that quote, "Don't reward yourself with food, you're not a dog!" And that is the truth. Reward yourself with something fun like a new pair of jeans, or getting a pedicure!

10. Remember you are doing this for YOU!

YOU are the most important part of this journey. When you get discouraged remind yourself of why you are doing this. Is it so you can keep up with your kids? Is it so that you can rock any outfit you choose? Is it to be healthy? No matter the reason it always comes back to doing it for yourself.

Use this Activity and Intake Log to keep track of what you are doing to work out, eat and drink!

(Link to printable version of Activity Log)

And for more information on alli® weight loss aid check them out on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest. And don't miss out on the COUPON!

Do you already do any of these things? What works to keep you motivated?

*I am not a doctor and you should consult your physician before starting on any weight loss journey*

*alli® (orlistat 60 mg capsules) is for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, when used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet. Follow label directions. In studies, most people lost 5-10 pounds over 6 months.

Nutter Butter "Ice Cream Cones"

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PackSnacksTheyLove #CollectiveBias



We have less than 2 weeks until we head back to school and I am going to have 2 of my kiddos in school and one in preschool. I can't even believe how time flies but I have to admit, I am sort of looking forward to some quieter times around my house and getting back into our routine!

Another thing I am looking forward to is a Little to make lunches for. Zach is heading into high school and he isn't into cutesy lunches. Tyler, however, thinks they are pretty cool! I asked him what sort of things he wanted to take in his lunch and then made a couple "lunch boxes" so he could check them out! He is soo excited!!



What kid doesn't love a lunch that consists of a hot dog, fruit, cheese and oreos? Yum!



The second one I made was a peanut butter roll up. It is a favorite lunch for Tyler! Plus we added some veggies, apple slices and a couple of Chips Ahoy cookies!

I also decided to make a fun treat that he could take in his lunch box and these Nutter Butter "Ice Cream Cones" were just the thing!



Cute, right?

We ran to Fred Meyer (Kroger Stores) to get some snacks and things to make our "Ice Cream Cones". I love Fred Meyer! It is by far my store of choice and I love that I can get everything I need in one place!

All you need is Nutter Butter cookies, chocolate bark, sprinkles and chocolate candies for the "cherry" on top!

Plus I grabbed a couple of other snacks, like the multipack of Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter cookies and Oreos. Plus Teddy Grahams because we sort of love them! These are such great snacks to put in the kid's lunched or even as an after school snack, especially if you are on the go a lot like we are!



It is super quick and I made these in about 2 minutes!

Melt your chocolate bark
Dip the Nutter Butter cookie into the chocolate
Sprinkle with sprinkles
and Top with a chocolate candy to make a "cherry on top"







And of course the kids loved them!

(Click HERE for Printable version)

Are your kids back in school? What are your favorite things to pack in their lunch?

DIY Toilet Paper Storage

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MegaPrepped #CollectiveBias

I never had thought about a storage container for my toilet paper until my dog started eating toilet paper.

We had to take it off of the roll holder because if the bathroom door was left open she would eat it straight off the roll. Don't worry, we've talked to our vet to make sure the dog is okay, but we definitely needed a different solution to hold our toilet paper.

I scoured pinterest for toilet paper storage that would work for us and I found a ton of different storage made from oatmeal containers! I should have thought of that myself since I did make a headband holder for Summer's bedroom out of one a long time ago!



I ran to Walmart to grab our favorite Quilted Northern® Ultra Soft & Strong® with Cleanstretch (9 Mega Rolls). It was easy to find and I was in and out in a jiff!

The Quilted Northern® Ultra Soft & Strong® with Cleanstretch mega pack offers the opportunity to keep your home fully stocked and organized at all times so that you’re always ready for sudden guests or last minute get-togethers.

Because who wants to run out of toilet paper? Not me!



When I came home I grabbed out a few supplies. Luckily, I already had most everything. An empty oatmeal container, hot glue gun/glue sticks and some twine. You could definitely use other kinds of twine. I just used this kind because I have used it to make other things in my house and that way they all go together.  Also, I used scrapbook paper to make flowers.





I started by placing a dot of hot glue onto the oatmeal container and placing the twine end piece onto that hot glue dot. Then I just start wrapping around. I don't glue every time because it is unnecessary. I probably do a glue dot about every 10-15 times that I wrap it around.

Just keep your twine pulled tight so that you don't end up with gaps.



When you get down to the very end I DO recommend putting a glue strip all the way around. However, you don't want to do too much at a time because it will dry before you can get your twine on. Just do an inch or so, place the twine and then do another inch, etc.



Next I made some paper flowers using scrapbook paper. I just cut out a square and then cut the swirl until I got to the middle.



Start twisting, occasionally putting dots of the hot glue to keep the flower rolled up.



And there you go! Looks at that fun flower! And just think of all the fun flowers you really could make.



Then I cut out a couple of "leaves" to add to it.



Then I used the hot glue one more time to put them onto the outside of the toilet paper storage container!



And that is all. I made this in about 20 minutes!



So now I have this awesome, yet discreet, toilet paper storage. And with the Mega roll being a 4X bigger roll (*than the regular rolls) I'm not worried about refilling the roll! Win, Win!



Now I have it setting on my bathroom counter within reach for us, but not for the dog!



The best bathroom experiences are the ones you don't remember. Quilted Northern® is designed so you can forget your bathroom experience.

Do you use the roll or do you have your own toilet paper storage?

Watershed 2016

Last weekend I experienced something for the very first time. It is called Watershed. Have you ever heard of it?

I know, Probably not. Unless you are right up in my corner of the upper left. That is Washington State for those of you that still don't get it. (Pic from The Gorge Amphitheatre)



We got inside and were feeling ready to check everything out!



It was one of the most interesting slash fun slash entertaining weekends I have had in a long time.

Watershed is a HUGE Country Musical Festival.

Not only does Watershed bring HUGE names to the stage, but small names too. People who are trying to get their names out there to the public, trying to be heard. They have the big "Main stage" and up further on the grass they have the "Next From Nashville" stage where they have music playing almost all day.



So let me go back a little....  Months ago tickets went on sale and they sold out in a matter of minutes, which is crazy because the Gorge Amphitheatre can house about 25,000 people. For the first year they decided to add a second weekend! All of the headliners were able to come back for the second weekend and only a few adjustments were made to the show, so it was going to be another record weekend!

As fun as the show sounded, tickets are expensive and leaving town for 3 days when you have kids just isn't always feasible. But then my friend gave me tickets. (Yes, I know she is a good friend!) So I was determined to make it work!

I asked a lot of people, but no one could really make it work for all 3 days, my husband wasn't really into going for all 3 days, so I asked Zachary if he wanted to go. He wasn't super into it, he is 14 after all, but told me he would go. I was looking forward to spending 3 days of quality time with Zach because we don't really get much one on one time and it was much needed.

And because I can't go somewhere without making something to take/wear, I made these:



So on Friday afternoon we headed out of town. It is only about 130 miles away and we made it there just about a half hour before Travis Tritt took the stage.



He made me hashtag this pic on Instagram #zoolander

I have been a picture taker my entire life and when Zach was younger he let me take pictures of him, but these days they are few and far between. However, I told him going into this weekend that I was going to be taking lots of pictures and selfies and he was just going to have to deal with it. (He didn't give me too much grief about it)

Zachary always makes fun of Travis and I for listening to the 90's Country Radio on Pandora and now he was living it! haha! He didn't know a single Travis Tritt song and it made me feel a little like I have failed him in the music department.  (Pic taken from Watershed fb page)



But afterward was Jason Aldean and he was the one I was most excited to see!

(You can see some of the videos I took from the concert here on YouTube)



Jason Aldean definitely didn't disappoint! He totally rocked it and he sang the song I most wanted to hear, which was "Take a little ride".  (Pic from Watershed fb page)



After the concert we headed to my friends house. She not only gave me the tickets but let us stay with her family. She doesn't live too far from the venue and camping looked like this:



And that was just one camping area!! Crazy, right??? (pic from Watershed fb page)

The next day we relaxed in the morning, had breakfast with my friend and her sweet girls then headed back to the Gorge.

The line up for the afternoon was Realynn (from The Voice), Aaron Tippin, Ben and Noel Haggard (originally was supposed to be Merle Haggard), Kacey Musgraves and Eric Church. Yes people, Eric Church. I was soo excited. But before we could watch any of them we had rides to ride, booths to check out and food to eat! It was like a carnival!



We rode the swing several times! It was so fun and there was an amazing view!



We also rode the ferris wheel. Which if you know my personally, you might know that I don't do ferris wheels. But this was the kind that was more of a box, not just the little cart. But I was still freaked out and told Zach I'd never do it again! (But look at that view behind him!)

They had a tent that was full of foam that you could play in. And they had a HUGE blow up water slide, and of course, countless places for photo ops!



After a day of fun, and watching the Next from Nashville stage (Bailey Bryan is pretty amazing!) we headed back to our blanket and waited for the evening line up to start! It was great because we had lots of snacks, water and a blanket to lay on and we just had a chill evening listening to music.



Eric Church was amazing. I won't lie, when we went he was the headliner I was looking forward to the least because I didn't think I knew very many of his songs but as he sang song after song that I knew I realized I basically love Eric Church. <3 (pic from IG profile chad071121)



Then we headed back home to my friends house. The next morning we were able to chill out and take it slow. We decided to go a hour or so later than the day before.

So we headed back to the Gorge for our 3rd and final day. Today was going to be a great day because we were seeing Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson, David Nail. I wasn't sure who Chris Janson or David Nail were at first, but once they started singing I knew their songs and I was excited. And even more excited once I realized that Chris Janson sings one of our favorite songs, "Buy me a boat". Tyler loves that song and we are always singing it around the house so I recorded it for him to hear! (And he was soo excited!!)

Keith Urban wrapped up an amazing weekend. (pic from watershed fb page)



He played so many of his hits, jammed out on his guitar and was chatty like I expected. He put on an awesome show and I am so glad I got to see him live!!

Zachary said he had more fun than he thought he would and he even liked some of the music. We went and bought all of Eric Church's cds too! It was definitely a weekend I won't forget, and after the girls were flashing their boobies at the screen I am sure it is one Zachary won't forget either! haha!