Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Why I Feed my Kid McDonald’s and Organic Quinoa in the Same Day


When I browse the aisles of the grocery store, my intent is so pure for feeding my almost two-year-old son the most fresh, organic, and healthy foods I can stock up on.  I literally feel like Supermom as I toss some grass-fed, hormone-free organic chicken in my grocery cart alongside a plethora of peas, carrots, and broccoli.  For snack, I think to myself, Gavin will have fresh apple slices and bananas.  Nothing frozen.  Nothing processed. Nothing store-bought.  Only the best for my little boy because I am a modern-day Mom that knows better than to feed my child junk.
Fast-forward to 5:30pm.  I get stuck in New Haven traffic on my way home from work.  I pull into daycare as I fumble for the third copy of the door code they gave me (I got seriously side-eyed because I lost it twice) to get into the building.  Paint-covered Gavin is ecstatic to see Mommy and I quickly check his folder to take home any precious artwork he did for the day.  As I buckle him up in his car seat, I get a text from my husband that he is working late and needs me to pick up dog food because we ran out.  Gavin is excited about this trip as he pets (harasses) the furry creatures in the aisles of Petco as I try to keep him from taking every last item off the shelf.
  Its 6:15 now and I know Gavin must be starving.  I think to myself, I can cook that hormone-free chicken.  After working 9 hours and commuting two, the not-so-Supermom finds herself at the drive-through at good ol’ Mickey D’s.  “I’ll take a kid’s happy meal with apple slices.”  Hey, at least he will get the apple slices I think to myself and feel slightly less guilty.  Organic quinoa tomorrow.
I am constantly in the pursuit of putting my son’s health and well-being first and sometimes find myself taking shortcuts that leave me ashamed as if I’d ruined all the months of healthy eating with one happy meal.  Kind of like that feeling when you ate healthy all day and then just stuff a cupcake down after the gym.  Ohhh, the guilt. But then I take a step back and know that life gets in the way of your “perfect plan” and sometimes, you just gotta have a Happy Meal (or that cupcake).  
The truth is, it’s okay to use McDonald’s french fries as your rescue when you can’t be Supermom every day.  It’s okay to use your iPhone as a way to distract your child on an airplane or in a restaurant every once in a while.  It’s okay to let them watch more TV than Dr. Sears recommends for childhood development.  It’s okay, gasp, for your 2 year old to eat goldfish off the floor.  It’s okay.  They will be okay. It’s okay to be a part-time Supermom. 




Ever After,
Jamie

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Velvet Dreams + Date Nights








Could not be a more perfect day to share this gorgeous velvet dress on a SNOW DAY!  I am dreaming of being back at Fort Lauderdale Beach wearing wedges and flip flops on the beach.  One of my favorite things about our vacation last week, was that me and Ryan were able to have some time for date nights since my Mom and stepdad were traveling with us.  It made me realize how important it is to make time for each other and take advantage of people who say, "I'll babysit anytime."  It also felt nice to take get dressed up and dolled up.  Oh and I am so excited to tell you this dress in on sale for $34 at Tobi.com!

{Velvet Midi Body-con dress c/o Tobi | Wedges: Steve Madden}

Ever After,
Jamie

Saturday, March 4, 2017

DIY Shamrock Shake Recipe ☘




    I remember even before McDonald's had these amazingly festive treats, my mom would make green milkshakes with my brother and I on St. Patrick's day. Every sip of a Shamrock Shake tastes like a bit of my childhood and brings back such sweet memories.
    Gavin is at the age where he loves bright colored things (especially if they are messy)  so I figured it would be a fun project to make some of these festive milkshakes to enjoy with the family.  It only calls for four ingredients and it's so easy so perfect to do with kids!

What You'll Need:

  • 2 cups vanilla icecream
  • 1 1/4 cups milk (can use whole or low-fat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
  • 3 drops green food coloring
Directions:  Combine all ingredients into a blender on low.  Serve immediately in a glass and top with whipped cream.  


Ever After,
Jamie