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Kisses + Caffeine

Sharing my journey as a mother, wife, homemaker, Jesus girl, entrepreneur and all things in between!

Archives for December 2019

When Life Steals Your Sugar

December 31, 2019      Leave a Comment

Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, I have always known that I was at a higher risk of developing Gestational Diabetes. I passed the 1-hour glucose test during my pregnancy with Addilyn. And I started my pregnancy with Lilliana at a lower weight than I started my first one, so I truly believed that I was good to go! 

Was I ever wrong! I, apparently, failed my 1-hour test in a pretty big way. So the last day before we traveled for Christmas, mama got to go to the hospital and sit through the oh-so-pleasant 3-hour glucose test. I was SURE that I failed the 1-hour as a fluke and would pass this one with flying colors. Also wrong! I failed this one pretty badly too.

To be completely honest, I cried my entire one hour drive home from the hospital. I felt like such a failure. Like my body and my eating habits were just junk and I took the word FAIL extremely personally. That I had done something wrong and this was somehow all my fault. I was embarrassed and did not really want the world to know. Not to mention I was heading into Christmas vacation with strict orders to dramatically cut my carbs and check my blood sugars 4 times a day. How in the world was I even supposed to enjoy myself?? Why this week?? Not to mention the fact that my side gig is a home baking business and I am around sugar literally constantly…

Over the last two weeks, however, I have come to find some acceptance in it. Yes, your lifestyle can affect the test. But a lot of it is very much out of your control. I found a fantastic support group on Facebook and joined. I began learning all that I possibly could and absorbing so much information. I spent the week with my diabetic mother who was able to give me some tips and tricks, as well as help explain how things work to me. And I will be seeing my doctor this week to discuss my plan moving forward.

I also felt like God was telling me that He would not give me a struggle without giving me a purpose! I am, after all, in full-time ministry working with women who are having pregnancy and loss struggles. I chose to see this as a new layer to how I can help others, sharing what I learn and helping them to accept and overcome as well! If this is you, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog. Email me. Follow me on social media. Let’s connect and do this together! I also created a Gestational Diabetes Pinterest board that you should totally follow! I plan to pin all my faves there!

I am hoping that I will be able to cope in a completely diet-controlled way and not have to go on medication or insulin. I plan to share as I figure this thing out, so stay tuned for tons of recipes and snack ideas, as well as anything that I am able to learn to keep my levels in check! While I was sad about this diagnosis, now I am actually excited to finish this pregnancy much healthier than I started, and to share it with the world! 

My FAV Chicken Salad Recipe!

December 20, 2019      Leave a Comment

I am a serious chicken salad lover! When I first got pregnant with Lilliana, I was craving it so badly that I almost couldn’t stand it. But our tiny town has really no good place to get it, and the store-bought kind wasn’t doing it for me! So I set out to create my own perfect blend, and you guys, it is SO good, and SO easy! 

To make things go even more quickly (yay!) and get the perfect tender, juicy chicken, I took about 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts and cut them in half. Then I cooked them with a little broth on high pressure for 20 mins in my Instant Pot. If you don’t have one, you NEED one! Game changer and a huge time saver! The chicken literally falls apart.

Grape & Walnut Chicken Salad

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Time: 15 mins
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (breast meat)
  •  1 cup mayonnaise (give or take…I’ll explain in the directions!)
  •  1 cup red grapes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
Directions:
  1.  If you use rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step! If not, cook your chicken in the Instant Pot (or however you choose to cook it), allow it to cool a bit, and then shred it.
  2. Add grapes, walnuts, salt and pepper and stir well.
  3. Add mayo, a little at a time! I found that it took right at a cup to get the creamy consistency that I like, but you can do more or less depending on preference! Also feel free to add more grapes, nuts, salt or pepper! I love how versatile this recipe is. It provides you a springboard and you can adjust to your taste preferences!
  4. Chill until cool and then serve either on a sandwich, a salad, or just eat it with a spoon! I shamelessly do all three! 🙂
This recipe is a fave around here! It is the perfect blend of sweet and savory!

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Pancake Party Cookies!

December 12, 2019      Leave a Comment

Okay honestly, this set made me crave pancakes for WEEKS (thanks, pregnancy hormones!). I was commissioned for these by a friend of mine for her niece’s birthday party, and given pretty much free reign! All she asked was for the theme, and the colors pink and white. She also requested that we work bows and monograms in!

I didn’t really have time to order a “Pajama” cutter, so I simply used my handy rectangle cutter  and made it look like pants with the royal icing! For the shirt, I used my go-to onesie cutter and just cut off the bottom! Perfect and super easy!

The pancake? SUPER easy! I just used my fav Ann Clark circle cutter and detailed away!

Seriously, how fun?! I love all of the new birthday party theme ideas! I’ll definitely be filing this one away to use with my girls someday. 🙂 

Cutters used in this set:
Pajama Pants HERE
Pajama Top HERE
Pancake HERE
Plaque HERE

Positive Affirmations for Little Girls

December 5, 2019      Leave a Comment

One of my most cherished parts of my day is settling Addilyn down for the night. It is a special time for us, and one that I hope I can protect when Lilliana arrives in March. We still pretty much stick to this bedtime routine, but with a few modifications (we don’t do a bottle anymore, but she does do milk in her cup, she has outgrown her Owlet sadly, etc). 

Sometime around her first birthday though, I added something that is truly special to me. After her daddy kisses her and I say prayers with her, before I turn on her white noise, I love to spend a few minutes intentionally speaking into her with some positive affirmations. I believe that we all would sleep a little better if the last thing that we heard for the day built us up and spoke love into us, and it is something that I really enjoy doing with her! My hope is that as she grows, she will be grounded in who she is and how adored she is, and will become a strong, compassionate young woman. 

Here are a few of my favorites, that are simple enough for her at almost two! I would love to hear some more in the comments, though! Especially that would be applicable as she grows!

  • Jesus loves you so much and He wants you to know Him!
  • Mommy and Daddy love you so much!
  • We are so proud of you!
  • You are very kind and caring.
  • You are a good friend!
  • You are so smart!
  • You are very brave!
  • You are very important and you will change the world someday.
  • You are so beautiful. You are wonderfully made and are just right the way that you are!
  • You can do anything you set your mind to!
  • You are going to be the best big sister!
  • You are the best helper, and it makes mommy very happy when you clean up!
  • You are a sweet, gentle girl and I love your spirit.
  • You are very creative and make beautiful artwork!
  • You are a daughter of the King, who is not moved by this world! You don’t have to fear because He goes before you and He is with you. You are His. (this is a quote on some artwork on her wall. I absolutely love it!

Lumberjack Baby Shower Treats!

December 4, 2019      Leave a Comment

Let’s be friends! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

I sure do love a good lumberjack party! Buffalo plaid is one of my favorites, and not much says “fall” like a woodsy theme! Two of my sweet friends work together and contacted me about a shower they were throwing for a co-worker. I have been itching to try some plaid cookies, so this was the perfect chance! 

There are literally TONS of ways to do the wood slice look, but I decided that edible hand-painting was the most feasible for me with a bit of a time crunch! (Make sure you grab my royal icing recipe if you are wanting to try your hand at these!)

Acorns and leaves were a great accent to the slices and onesies…and you guys! Acorns are SO easy! Chocolate sprinkles are a life-saver and add a great texture! 

I whipped up a batch of my signature s’mores cupcakes to go along with them and they turned out to be the perfect pair! How cute are these?! (I’ll drop a list of cutters down below!).

Cutters used:

Onesie: HERE

Log Slice: HERE

Leaf and Acorn HERE

Stencils HERE

 (I wound up tracing the plaid using these edible markers rather than airbrushing, for a more clean edge! Time consuming? yes. Worth it? Yes!)

Try my viral royal icing!

Royal Icing Recipe
No Spread Cooke Dough

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If you need me, I’ll just be sitting over here i If you need me, I’ll just be sitting over here in my egg chair, snuggling my baby and watching my big kids run barefoot in the sunshine. Life is too short not to enjoy the little moments 🤍
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#peace #happiness #babyfever #babyfeet #eggchair #sunshine #explore #explorepage #instamom #momsofinstagram  #momoftoddlers #momofgirls #momofboys #lifewithlittles #momlife #mom #realmotherhood #momsofinstagram #momsofig #momsoftiktok #momsover30 #mommy #motherhood #encouragement #motherhoodunplugged #parenting #momlifeisthebestlife #momlifebelike #sahm #wahm #stayathomemom
These are always fun! 🤍 These are always fun! 🤍
We are officially a household that will NOT be sho We are officially a household that will NOT be shopping with Target anymore! 🚫 If you know me and my deep love of Target 🎯, this is a hard one for me. And I’m not usually a “stop shopping places” kind of person. (See the video I posted earlier, among other things) It takes a lot for me.

I am so frustrated at the kind of madness my kids are growing up in. The buck has to stop here. I will show them what is right and wrong, not these companies supporting such horrible things. I mean if partnering with Satanists and selling “tuck friendly” clothing to toddlers isn’t just going too far then I’m not sure what is.

Just think about this: why are you buying your household essentials from a company that supports satanic groups?? If they are openly doing this, can you imagine what they are hiding in your every day products?? 😳😳😳 Over this last few months I’ve learned more about all of this and it’s scary how many harmful things are “allowed” on their shelves!

I’ve found a better way to shop—a healthier way! and with a company that supports and upholds the highest values! We are switching almost all of our household essentials & next month, even pasture-raised, hormone-free beef 🥩 from them!

Thank you to The Wellness Store for giving me and my family a truly safe and wholesome place to shop! 🌱 It’s a company worth talking about…which is why I can’t stop! I care way too much about those of you who have trusted my opinion enough to follow me!!
I want to speak to the ladies who strive to be a P I want to speak to the ladies who strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman for just a second! If you’re new here, you can expect to see a lot of life with my kids! Spending my days with them is my greatest joy (but dang, it can be hard sometimes! Other #stayathomemoms feel me?!). I am teaching them through hands-on experiences. Less screen time, more outside time. To start their day in God’s word and prayer. The work we do here matters, moms.
I am my husband‘s biggest cheerleader and supporter! You won’t see any feminism or wokeness here. When he wins, I win. I’ll do just about anything to help him succeed! There ain’t nothing wrong with that, ladies. In fact it’s our job as wives. Own it 💪🏻
While we’re talking about it, being a stay at home mom does not mean that you can’t bring in income! Even if it’s just a little here, or a little there it can make a huge difference. And it doesn’t have to mean time away from your children! I’m happy to share what I do to anyone interested 🤍(and yes, there are multiple avenues!).
It’s also my job as a homemaker to be the gatekeeper for what comes into our home and goes into and on our bodies. I’m all about simple, delicious meals that I can feel good about feeding my family. I’m also all about low-tox living! Do a deep dive into the chemicals in your home and you will be too! You can always find clean swaps in my stories and highlights! 🌱 

If any of that resonates with you, stick around! I’m glad you’re here🤍
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#lowtoxliving #lowtox #lowtoxlife #knowbetterdobetter #cleanswap #healthy #mom #momlife #explore #explorepage #betterforyou #nontoxic #proverbs #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #wife #wifelife #sahm #wahm #momofgirls #lifewithlittles #momlife #realmotherhood #momsofinstagram #erastour #momsover30 #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #era #momlifebelike
I am so blessed 🥹 I am so blessed 🥹
What a journey the last 13 years have been. I’m What a journey the last 13 years have been. I’m obsessed with the beautiful life we have created. Happy anniversary, my love 🤍
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#weddinganniversary #wedding #anniversary #love #weddingday #happyanniversary #weddingphotography #couplegoals #husbandandwife  #family #marriage #mylove #weddinginspiration #marriagegoals #bride #thanniversary #anniversarygift #weddings #celebration #couple #birthday #photography #happy #bridalshower #babyshower #weddinganniversarygift #family #explore #explorepage #wife
We may have already posted these on @michaelleerea We may have already posted these on @michaelleerealty , but I just need to share how dang proud I am of our guy on this one, and how happy we are for our clients! This RV park sale had so many ups and downs, and Michael worked so hard to take care of his people and bring their dream to reality. He never gave up and we are so excited to watch their new business thrive! If you’re looking to stay near Lake Toxaway this summer, make sure you check out Blue Ridge Falls RV & Glamping resort! And if you’re looking to buy an RV park, our guy is now very experienced!
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#glamping #rv #rvlife #rvliving #fulltimerv #wifelife #rvpark #laketoxaway #cashiers #westernnc #camping #glampsite #proudwife #appreciationpost #rvlivingwithkids #fulltimervlife
If a child creates something for you, you should t If a child creates something for you, you should treat it like the most spectacular masterpiece  you have ever seen. Because when you do, something magical happens. You create in them an overwhelming feeling of confidence. You reinforce the joy of giving and serving others. You fill their cup with value. You encourage them to grow and experiment and make new things. You literally, truly shape their heart. So when a child makes you something, please cherish it. 🤍
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#childhoodmemories #childhood #summer #memories #nostalgia #childhoodunplugged #kids #raisethemwild #childpsychology #childhoodmemories #childhoodunplugged #kids #art #nostalgic #motherhoodthroughinstagram #oldschool #fun #friends #life #instagood #photooftheday #motherhood #momlife #explorepage #disney #nostalgic #explore #creative #fun #create
“But I don’t order that many cleaning products “But I don’t order that many cleaning products every month.”

This is the most common thing I hear about The Wellness Box! Let me go ahead and debunk that for you. Neither do I! That would be crazy, considering we live in a tiny home. 😅

I definitely don’t order that many cleaning products each month, especially when these are so concentrated that they last forever. But I do order this AMAZING coffee (no mold or toxins!). Baby wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, dish soap, protein bars and shakes, nutritional shakes for our kids, vitamins and supplements, basic health care items such as ibuprofen and Tylenol. Gatorade replacements and emergency-c replacements without all of the sugar. I order sunscreen and bug spray (all natural ingredients! 🙌🏻). I order shampoo and conditioner (salon quality) and high-end, clean make up at a fraction of the price! Shopping with The Wellness Store is not just a cleaning products subscription. It’s a way to replace money I’m already spending somewhere else, from a non-woke, patriot owned company. It’s a way to save money on products I’m already using, plus it’s dropped off at my doorstep instead of having to haul my kids into the store! And if there’s ever a month where I truly don’t need anything (that hasn’t happened yet!) I can just skip! 😍 

You can even add a subscription to get grass-fed, hormone free, pasture raised beef shipped to you! 

I hope that helps to clear the air at any confusion 🤍🤍

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#lowtoxliving #lowtox #lowtoxlife #knowbetterdobetter #cleanswap #healthy #mom #momlife #momwin #myfavorite #explore #explorepage #betterforyou #nontoxic #wahm #momlife #momlifeisthebestlife #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #sahm #stayathomemom #moneysavingtips #moneysavingmom #couponcommunity #coffee #coffeelover
Forget the calm down blanket! Get your big kids a Forget the calm down blanket! Get your big kids a @riffraff_sleeptoysusa lovey! These sweet little guys help so much when big feelings take over, and they give a soothing sense of comfort after night time wake ups. Mamas- don’t sleep on these (see what I did there?! 🤣) for your big kids! 
SHARE and tag a parent who’s child struggles with anxiety or night wakings!
🤍Dropping a discount code in stories because I love ya 😘. 
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#riffraff #riffraff_sleeptoys #childtherapy #childtherapytoolbox #anxiety #childhoodanxiety #calmdown #calmspace #coping #copingskills #copingstrategies #childsleep #mom #momhack #momlife #momlifeisthebestlife #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodrising #gift #giftideas #lovey #baby #babygift #newmom #postpartum #babyregistry #motherhoodthroughinstagram #explore #explorepage

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