by Pam | Nov 20, 2019 | Everyday Adventures, Food, healthy tips, Menu Planning, nutrition, Organization
Eating dinner together as a family most nights is very important to me. However, with two teens in the house (both involved in sports), a full-time job AND my blog, time is at a premium. Most weeks I do a great job of planning out meals, hitting the grocery (or using Shipt) and making a healthy, tasty dinner. Then there are the other weeks … You know, the weeks where there is something going on every night, where the weekend was so packed you couldn’t get to the grocery or even get your online order placed, even the weeks where you just don’t feel like menu planning. Those are the weeks I depend upon EveryPlate. EveryPlate isn’t the first home delivery service I’ve tried. I’ve also given Hello Fresh and Blue Plate a try, but I couldn’t stomach the prices and I found myself forgetting to cancel a week and therefore ending up with meals I didn’t really want or need. Pros of EveryPlate EveryPlate is really affordable. I have a family of four, but I use the 2-3 serving meal plan and it’s currently only $38.93 per week (including shipping). That gives me 3 meals and since my daughter doesn’t eat meat I’ve found by adding a salad, a piece of fish or veggie burger for her, or just adding extra rice or pasta to the meal we have more than enough. To be fair, none of us are big eaters, but you could certainly start with the smaller plan like we did and move up if needed. The food is delivered fresh and nicely packaged. I really...
by Pam | Nov 1, 2019 | Everyday Adventures, Organization, Relationships, Relaxation
Are you ready for everyday adventures? Do you have everyday adventure essentials already packed and in your car? Or if you were to be out running around and discovered something fun or interesting to do would you have to “wait until later” when you are better prepared? Or have to purchase something to participate? Don’t let that ever happen to you again! With this simple Everyday Adventure Essentials list, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way. Print out the .pdf and then spend 20 minutes creating your own bag for the car. You probably already have most of these items around the house. I guarantee that someday in the future you’ll be so glad you were prepared! I use a simple tote as my bag and find it fits well in the back of the van, and also can be easily grabbed and transferred to the Jeep if we decide to drive it for the day. The bag I use is no longer available, but here are some terrific options: All Year Round I always have the following in the bag: A deck of cards, Uno, six dice, a notepad, and a pen. These come in handy when visiting a winery, brewery or local restaurant. It’s a fun way to pass the time and keep everyone involved and off their phones.Bug spray and sunblock. Regardless of the time of the year, these two items come in super handy. A growler and a half-growler. Just in case we find a beer or even rootbeer on tap that we love!An outdoor blanket. Perfect for picnics in the summer and wrapping...
by Pam | Nov 22, 2018 | Everyday Adventures, Food, Organization, Relaxation, travel
I love working from home. I love being in my own space, I love getting a jump start on dinner, I love saving money by eating at home and wearing jeans every day, I really do love it. However, there are days when I’m just not motivated to work. Those are the days I find myself doing what I call productive procrastination. You know, folding laundry when I should be writing, creating the weekly menu plan instead of following up on potential sponsored posts. I’m working, but not working … Sometimes I’ll just allow myself a day to move a little slowly and not get a lot done, but if it happens more than one day, I know it’s time to change my scene. I’ve discovered that to be uber productive – or just to kickstart myself into crossing off all my to-do’s, working somewhere outside of the home helps every time. If you feel the same, but get tired of working at your local Starbucks, check out my favorite haunts – some of them might surprise you: A local coffee shop. This is the easy one. If I’m traveling and don’t find anything local on Yelp I’ll hit Starbucks like everyone else out there, but if it’s possible, a local coffee shop is the best. They tend to be quiet, friendly and comfortable. Plus since it’s such a common workspace, no one thinks twice if you hang out for a few hours with your computer. Suggestions if you are in the Indianapolis area: Hubbards & Craven; Local chain with four convenient locations. Noble Coffee & Tea; 933 Logan...
by Pam | Nov 6, 2018 | Everyday Adventures, healthy tips, Holidays, Organization, parenting, Relaxation, stress, travel
All over the internet, I see packing lists, packing hacks, ways to pack your bag smarter, etc. I’m not going to rehash those posts – what I want to share with you are some of the more unusual items I always pack that make my vacations better: Diffuser and essential oils. There have been times I’ve been tempted to leave this at home (it does take up valuable space that could be used for another pair of shoes), but somehow I always squeeze it in. And I’m always so glad to have it. I love coming back to a hotel room that smells delicious instead of stale, and my eyes are never as dry in the morning if I’ve had it running by my bed all night. Curious about which oils I pack? I did a whole post on Essential Oils on Vacation. Rice sock and/or Thera Cane Max: Trigger Point Massager (Blue). Hotel beds can be lumpy. Car and airline travel can make for very sore backs. These two items help with those issues immensely! If I know there will be a microwave available I pack my rice sock. This is simply a sock filled with white rice. Heat it up in the microwave for a minute and enjoy the delicious warmth on sore muscles. My Thera Cane Max: Trigger Point Massager (Blue) was purchased on the advice of my massage therapist and it is a lifesaver for those sticky spots on your back that you can’t reach to rub out. The one I have breaks down for convenient travel and I’ve never had it turned down going through...
by Pam | Oct 30, 2018 | Everyday Adventures, Goals, Organization, Relationships, travel
Thanks so much for this nomination from Junell at MissAdventures in Adulting! I have seen this award around but have never been nominated before, so this is very exciting. I’ve been blogging for years on health and fitness but recently switched my focus to travel and lifestyle. It has been so much fun! I love sharing inspiration and ideas for other busy moms to create an adventurous life wherever they are. In case you are reading this and aren’t quite sure what this award is, the Sunshine Blogger Award is given to new bloggers striving to be a positive and inspiring part of the blogging community. Award Rules Thank the blogger who nominated you in the blog post and links back to their blog. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you. Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog. So here are my answers to the questions Junell asked me: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? The beach – I’m in need of some sun and sand. What are your blogging goals for the rest of the year, and 5 years from now? I’d like to continue to inspire more busy families to create everyday adventures for their lives! In 5 years I’d love to be doing this full-time. When and where do you do your best work? Sitting outside a coffee shop. Preferably on a sunny day! What is one random talent you have? I’m a...
by Pam | Sep 6, 2018 | Everyday Adventures, Fashion, Goals, moms, Organization, Relaxation
It’s that time of year again! Time for a new Style Challenge – wondering what I’m talking about? Check out this short video: GYPO Style Challenges has helped over 6 thousand women from all over the world make getting dressed in the morning the easiest thing you’ll do all day! The great news is the Summer 2019 GYPO Style Challenge just launched. The Style Challenge takes all the headache and guesswork out of shopping and trying to stay on trend. You don’t need to worry about putting together outfits or if you’ll get enough wear to justify buying something. Every item on the seasonal shopping list is selected with intention and purpose. This means only buying pieces that you love and will wear over and over. And honestly, you likely have a lot of pieces in your closet you can use already, that’s a win for the budget! I know I’ve only purchased one top, one pair of jeans (that I’ve been looking for several seasons now), and some jewelry for this challenge. You can register for the Summer 2019 GYPO Style Challenge for just $39 HERE. You’ll get the following tools to help you on your style journey: A capsule wardrobe shopping list of on-trend items and classics basics (you’re free to shop where you want and spend as much or as little as you want!) Links to shop for recommended items online or in store (we’ve done the work for you by choosing items to suit every budget and body type!) A daily outfit idea created from pieces on the shopping list sent to your inbox so...
