A parent’s 1st day of school resolution

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1st day of school

Parent to parent conversation:

Speaking as a parent we found ourselves telling our children start this year with power and strength.

Open mind for the new teachers new materials, new classmates. Then it downed on us, that we feel the same way as a mom and a dad, a new school year should be the start of a new attitude right along with our children.

We had an amazing, fun summer. We had the chance to hear more stories about friends at school. Who is still fun to be around and who has left the circle of friendship. At least for now!!

Do your best everyday, work on what you are best, were the words we used as we ate together and spend the last summer days Together. 

We know schedules take over our lives. Sports, music classes, field trips, and projects, but our promise to be there, but not to overwhelm, quietly listen and not to teach or judge is our promise. Have a good heart and an open mind is our resolution for the new school year.

This morning, “we love you very much” were the words we chose to leave them with for their first day of school.❤️

Covered in Chocolate

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Before the kids go back to school, finish summer with a little sweetness. These everyday snacks are introduced to being a dessert as each of them are covered in semi sweet chocolate. 

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Dried orange slices, dried mangos, dried apricots, banana chips, pretzels,pretzel goldfish, Frosted corn Flakes with dried cherries, corn Chex

Place them individually on a tray covered with aluminum foil. Place the tray in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Creating a quiet space at home

We all need the quiet time to relax, think, and spend some time on our own hobbies without being distracted.

Whether you’ve got kids, a spouse, or roommates, it can be difficult to find the time and space for some peace and quiet. 

To create this quiet space

1- Go for dark or neutral colors, and dark wood for the floors, It’ll create a soothing environment where you can unwind with your own thoughts with your own favorite furniture.

2- A comfortable chair, good light for reading, soft cushions and soft throws.

3- Less foot traffic means more peace and quiet. And so when creating a quiet space in the home, pick an area that’s off the beaten path. Preferably a nice view to the street or the garden.

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HGTV, Sunrooms can be perfect for reading
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Atticmag, spacious attic can be your perfect quiet space
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Homedit, under the stairs create your own library

Eating Cottage Cheese is good for us

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For breakfast we added peanut butter, blueberries, and slices of banana to cottage cheese topped with fig jam.

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, packed with many nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and selenium.

Selenium has been shown to increase antioxidant protection in the blood.

Because of its high protein content cottage cheese is popular among athletes and people who exercise.

It is packed with casein protein. Casein is a slowly absorbed protein that promotes muscle gain and helps prevent muscle breakdown.

We love cottage cheese for breakfast, or a cool snack after a work out.

Use cottage cheese in

Lasagna

Scrambled eggs

Baked goods

Smoothies

Toast

Mayo substitute

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Topped with orange rind

 

Figs for snack and sweet dessert

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Figs as topping for ice cream

Fig, fruit of the ficus tree one of the world’s oldest trees,which is part of the mulberry family is sweet, delicious and good source of vitamins.

Rich in minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins A, E and K.

Dried or fresh figs have the same benefits, because of fig’s delicate nature it is often dried.

We love to serve dried or fresh figs with cheese and fruits, and with some added sugar turn them into a delicious jam. Use it for toppings, or for a afternoon snack with butter or cream cheese.

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Figs, leaves are also perfect to line the snack trays
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Figs
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Our tree had a few ripe figs, perfect for tomorows’s breakfast. Add 1 Cup of water 3 TBL sp of sugar. Boil until thick syrup is made.

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End of summer is near, getting back to a routine or not?

Growing up, a week before school  we went to bed early and woke up early as if we were getting ready for school. And we absolutely hated it. 

It made going back to school even more painful.

Well the message out there is mixed, some families stay on school schedule all through summer, 

Some only try to get back to it the last week of summer.

Most school teachers/parents believe the adjusting period is a great idea, since well rested kids are happier and more engaged students.

If you ask us we believe in squeezing out the very last seconds of freedom from summer.

Long live summer 😎

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Watermelon lowest in calories and sugar

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Scoops of watermelon, chunks of feta cheese, mint leaves, and pita bread

watermelon is one of the lowest in calories even lower than berries. May lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage, since it’s rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C. It is a delicious fruit to quench your thirst (it is 92% water).

Beside eating it right from the melon’s god given bowl, we can also prepare salad and side dishes.

1- Few drops of balsamic vinegar for a refreshing side dish.

2- Or mixed with feta cheese, red onions, arugula or cucumbers, olive oil, zest of lime, and mint leaves for a refreshing salad.

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Our young eaters call this “watermelon soft tacos” 

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Canvas & metal prints

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Morning glories, Panama city beach 8:36am

we are so fortunate for having access to businesses that offer great collection of print choices. And if you are the family photographer you are always looking for ways to enjoy your vacation photos. We can take a picture, upload, choose from photo books, canvas, metal prints, or even greeting cards.

From our smart phone to the family room wall in less than a week. Here is a short list:

Shutterfly

canvaspop

snap fish

canvas champ

costco photo

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Eating healthy while traveling

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Fruits for snacking

Fresh snacks 

Stop at a grocery store and pick up fruits, bagged carrots, nuts,hummus. For lunch take advantage of their salad bar.

Eat frequently and small amounts, so pack snacks. Eating small amounts of healthy food throughout the day keeps your mind sharp.

Protein with essential amino acid: eggs, chicken beef….

Drink water

Yes – that means stopping  for a restroom, choose a place to stop so you can stretch your legs, let the kids out for few minutes, and get some fresh air.

Drinking plenty of water will flush your body of toxins, keeps your skin fresh, and helps you eat less. 

Foods not to eat

  • simple carbohydrates or high glycemic foods : 

fruit juices, sodas, sugary snacks, anything deep-fried, nonfat desserts and sweeteners, anything partially hydrogenated.

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