Adoption Blogs

I found the fired-roasted corn on the cob a bit disappointing (flavor and texture of burnt, un-popped popcorn); but I instantly fell in love with the smooth, creamy callaloo soup. Every restaurant we went to and every home we visited had a slightly different way of preparing it, but they all shared a distinctive taste (provided by the callaloo and the liberal use of nutmeg). After returning home from that trip, I tried a few times to simulate the distinctive flavor of callaloo with ingredients I could find in the local grocery store. My father thought I nailed the flavor, and my better half has since had me make three more large batches (in less than a month).

2 1/2″ pocket hole screws 1 1/4″ wood screws 3/4″ edge banding Wood glue Tack cloth 120, 220, 300, 400 grit sandpaper Wood conditioner Varathane golden pecan stain Surprisingly, wood glue is actually more important in holding the DIY coffee table together than the screws (and where we really messed up on our first attempt). Once cut, we applied 3/4″ edge banding around the edge of the wood. (Note: if you use a wood similar to maple or pine, be sure to use wood conditioner on your wood before staining this will help prevent blotchiness.)

Father’s Day 2020 is quickly approaching and if you are still left searching for a gift to give to your special guy I’ve gathered items for dads who love the outdoors, appreciate home gadgets, love to sit with a cold one, or prefer to dig into a good book. Don’t be afraid to even grab a couple of items on this list for dad just in time for Father’s Day 2020. We love visiting local breweries and growler companies but now we can take the beer home and it keeps fresher longer with this carbonated growler!

Today I’m going to share with you my experience with making our own baby food, the process behind how we batch out baby food for weeks, and what I’ve learned along the way. When you first introduce solid foods to your baby you will want to start with single foods before mixing foods together to identify if your baby has any intolerances. I found that mixing in dry baby cereal to my more liquid purees helped to thicken them up and bulk up the meal when my baby wanted something more substantial. : I also use disposable (or these reusable) baby food pouches so that I can take our homemade baby food on the go.

For this post, I’m sharing nearly every room in the home and the specific interior paint colors we chose. The office has wainscotting which is painted with White Dove by Benjamin Moore and the walls are painted Tempered Gray by Valspar. As we transition into the master bathroom the walls are painted a very light gray/green color called Stony Path by Valspar. We went with Frappe by Valspar and it’s a happy medium brown/gray that can work with both the warm and cool tones of the house.

Expected responsibilities for little children can be vastly different depending on the child and change quickly as they get even just a little bit older. While keeping it fairly simple it’s easy to know exactly what chores my daughter is expected to do and in exchange for her help, she has some different options for rewards. I know this post is about routines and not money however, I feel it’s important that whenever you decide to give your child an allowance to explain to them the basic responsibilities of money handling and the values your family has on how you choose to spend and save money. This customizable printable chore chart is perfect for kid’s daily routines and expectations around the house because it’s so simple it can be used however you decide.

When you consider your anatomy and lymphatic system you will notice that a very large amount of lymph nodes are right near your armpit and your lymph system collects all the toxins and waste your body is exposed to. Detoxing prior to making the switch to a natural deodorant can make the adjustment period more tolerable. I’ve personally tried a few different brands of natural deodorant and these are the ones I would suggest trying: So if you think your pits could use a detox and/or you’re ready to make the switch to a cleaner natural deodorant here is a recipe you can use.

I’ve rounded up gifts at multiple price points so that there is sure to be something on this list you will be able to get for Mother’s Day. Each item is something I personally love and have thoughtfully chosen to include on this Mother’s Day Gift Guide. There is something for the mama who loves to cook and meal plan, the mama who loves to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, or the mama that carries the world on her back! Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).

Transitions from play to work time can be challenging for some kids so this is why we strive to stay in “work mode” through the hard stuff until it is done. Until 9:00am Breakfast Get Dressed Brush Teeth Free Time 9:00-9:45am Spelling Handwriting 9:45-10:15am Reading and Comprehension Activities 10:15-10:30am Snack 10:30-11am Numbers and Math 11:00-11:30am Sciences or History 11:30-1:00pm Lunch and Playtime 1:00-3:00pm In one year we found that our morning routine of knocking out the harder subjects needed to be pushed to the afternoons with a more fluid morning routine as our youngest was no longer napping in the morning. This can happen with children too in a matter of moments when they find themselves distracted or on an unscheduled break and then not able to get back into the work they were doing.

Even more than creating beautiful images through brand photography, I love supporting small businesses and encouraging them to go after their passions and purpose! For this session, I got to work with Kristen of The Quirky Quill who I’ve gotten to know well over the last couple of years! The Quirky Quill offers beautiful hand-lettered and painted pieces but beyond that her products help you honor those meaningful traditions with the ones you love most and celebrate every special moment. So many of her pieces are unique and custom for each client so make sure to head over to her website to find a special item that could possibly become a family heirloom and cherished for years to come.