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Now as a mom of 3 kids going out with all of them can be a hassle. It is more challenging now for sure. So it is important that I pack all the essentials I'll need for the day whether if its a quick grocery stop or an outing shopping at the mall. I no longer can pack a diaper bag and also have a purse for myself. Bringing two bags is overly too much to worry about having to keep up with both when you have a toddler to run after. Which is why I have become so picky in choosing the right diaper bag that can hold my personal belongings and all of my kids necessities before leaving the house.
Currently I am obsessed with my new JJ Cole Caprice bag. It is exactly as the bag was described- "fashion meets function in a stylish tote." It has so much space and departments- the possibilities in packing it are endless. With 10 pockets inside and out as well as 3 options to carry including stroller straps.
After seven years of parenting I can definitely say organizing your diaper bag is the first step to start your outing successfully. I cannot count how many times I left or simply forgot to pack an item and it ruined the whole trip. Since my youngest is still a 1 year old he is the one with the biggest chance of needing an outfit change. So from past experiences I have learned the hard way to always have a second outfit ready in case his diaper leaks or if he spills food all over his clothes.
With the JJ Cole Caprice bag I find it easy to keep everything in sight and in easy reach when looking for what I need with lots of personal storage. Whether if it's my cell phone or my wallet- I have the divider pockets to thank for. Seriously. And it doesn't hurt to have a stylish bag that's neutral and can go with any outfit I wear.
Here are some diaper bag must haves to pack
- 4-5 diapers
- wipes (my favorite are Costco's Kirkand)
- changing pad
- snacks
- juice box for the older kids
- baby's bottle
- sanitizing wipes
- lotion (if your baby has bad eczema)
- blanket (perfect for nap time)
- baby toys
- extra clothes
- tablet or ipad for the older the kids
- cell phone
- wallet
- camera
You can find more JJ Cole diaper bags with different styles and colors at any Babies R US here
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As a child Mole has always been one of my favorite homemade meals. It brings great memories looking back of my family and I on the weekend when my dad was actually home, those were the times we all got to eat together with him and enjoy our time as a family.
There are many recipes of mole and many of them have listed so many ingredients that it can make one nervous to even attempt making it. Which is why I did not even risk the chance. For us Mexicans Homemade mole is one of a kind but over the years my mom discovered a way to carry the tradition of making mole for us yet not invest too much time in cooking it. Because of her I now use DOÑA MARÍA® MOLE.
Call it the new generation but it is easy and delicious! Time have changed, no need to spend 12+ hour in the kitchen. I can say it has been a favorite at our place. My mom has been using it for years now. DOÑA MARÍA® MOLE is a thick paste made with all the ingredients you need in your Mole- fresh chili peppers, fresh herbs, and spices, roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, sesame seeds, cocoa, onion and garlic along with ground nuts or seeds for the thickening.
So today I am sharing a quick way to make mole along with a side of pasta topped with queso fresco. It is perfect for a get together, family dinners, and birthday parties.
INGREDIENTS:
- Chicken Breast (Skinless & Boneless)
- 1 jar of DOÑA MARÍA® MOLE
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- garlic powder
- 1 tablet Nestle ABUELITA authentic Mexican chocolate
- fettucini pasta
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1⁄2 yellow onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- queso Fresco "La Vaquita"
- fresh cilantro, chopped
- corn tortillas (optional for mole)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Boil the chicken for 45 min. Start shredding the chicken once cooked
- To prepare the Mole sauce, empty the jar of Dona Maria into a saucepan. Slowly stir in 4 cups of chicken broth, add the garlic and ABUELITA chocolate. (for best results use the same broth you cooked your chicken in)
- Heat the sauce over medium/high heat, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps from forming. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir for 5 minutes or until boil
- Move cooked chicken into the pot of mole, mix, and cook on low, continue until sauce thickens
- For the pasta, cook the fettuccine according to instructions. Once cooked drained the fettuccine.
- in the blender mix 3 tomatoes, a clove of garlic minced, half of a yellow onion (chopped) and 1 cup of water to make tomato soup.
- Heat up a skillet with olive oil and butter. Saute the garlic until aromatic or slightly browned, then add the chicken broth and added blended tomato soup. Stir to blend well. Top the pasta with queso Fresco and a few chopped cilantro. Add sliced avocados on side (optional)
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Raise your hand if one of your kids is a picky eater? I been struggling with this with my oldest for a long time now. I have both my youngest son and my daughter who eat pretty much everything, however the oldest sticks to the same meals all the time and trying to get him to eat vegetables is a lost battle. I mostly blame myself for not introducing more veggie options as an infant. The moment he showed signs of refusal on eating it I quickly let him have it his way. Now that he is six the struggle is even harder which is why I decided to look for more options like making green smoothies in the morning and loading it with greens. I also recently decided to give Garden Lites a try.
To be honest I was quite hesitant on trying Garden Lites only because when you hear about products that are said to be "healthy" and "good" for you 9 times out of 10 they turn out to be disappointing and just plain nasty. For that reason I felt I had to sample them myself before giving my kids a bite.
And you won't believe what happen next...
It is hilarious and shocking actually but just as I placed the muffins on a plate near me
My kids saw a delicious "chocolate muffin" as they screamed and ran to the table (yes they can be dramatic- very dramatic) and once they sat down they started eating them all. Just like that!
I didn't even ask them to come and try them.
I am not joking when I say I did not get to have a whole muffin to myself.
And this in a way is exciting because all three kids are eating veggies and they don't even know it! I know many might feel indecisive about trying these muffins but trust me they are actually DELICIOUS and great as a snack on the go or for packing it along with your kids lunch.
By looking at the box you will be immediately sold. In an instant glance you'll see they are Gluten-free. Dairy-free. Nut- free. The main two ingredients are Carrots and Zucchini. Yes- you read that right! Other ingredients include oat flour, brown rice flour and ground flax seeds.
If you are a busy mom who doesn't always have time to make everything from scratch- because basically who really has the time to? And if you are looking for a healthy and convenient meal for a go to snack for breakfast or to eat after lunch for your kids and yourself then Garden Lites products are perfect for you. You'll find them in the freezer section of your nearest H-E-B, Kroger, or Costco.
So tell me what are some of your favorite veggie snacks for Kids?
