Do you ever crave a delicious homemade meal, but hate the thought of the cleanup afterwards? This family-friendly, easy to make, Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce is a dish full of flavor. It can be on your table in under 30 minutes and clean up is a breeze with Palmolive® Ultra Strength Concentrated Liquid Dish Soap Formula and Scotch-Brite® Non-Scratch Scrub Dots!

Palmolive®​ Ultra Strength and Scotch-Brite®​ Advanced Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrubbers are perfect for bigger messes such as sauces, melted cheese or meals prepared in your favorite stainless-steel cookware.

Palmolive® Ultra Strength is tough on grease and soft on hands, which is really important for those of us who don’t like to wear gloves. It even removes 24 Hour Stuck on Food from Dishes!

Scotch-Brite® Advanced Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrubbers that are safe on non-stick cookware and dry fast and rinse clean without trapping food. It resists odors and even has a hex shape that allows it to stand on its side for fast drying! Everyday cleaning power. Rinses Clean.

The amazing combination of Palmolive®​ and Scotch-Brite®​ is the perfect and easy solution for dinner cleanup.

To ensure your chicken for this meal will turn out tender and moist, make sure it’s not too thick. For this recipe I am using 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts that will be cut length wise in half.

In a large stainless steel skillet, melt a little butter with a little extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken with a little salt, pepper and garlic powder and then add the to the skillet.

Let them cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them over once and until no pink remains. Then remove the chicken from the skillet.

Add another pat of butter if you’d like to the pan and then add the petite chopped tomatoes. Slowly add in your chicken broth and stir gently for a few minutes before adding the cream. Bring it to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and place the chicken back into the skillet.

Cover the chicken with the tasty tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Enjoy this delicious meal with your family without the dreadful task of cleaning dishes for hours afterwards!

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Dinner cleanup for this meal took me just 5 minutes! I didn’t even need to soak anything while we were eating.

A little bit of Palmolive®​ and gentle circular motions with the Scotch-Brite®​ Advanced Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrubber (I love how one side suds up and the other side scrubs) and everything was easily cleaned.

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Chicken In Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Moist and tender chicken breast in a rich, fresh creamy tomato basil sauce.

Course Main Course

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half length wise
• salt to season chicken
• pepper to season chicken
• garlic powder to season chicken
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 14.5 oz. can Italian Style Petite Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• fresh basil to garnish

Instructions

• Season your chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• In a stainless steel skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning over once until no pink remains.
• Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
• Add the can of tomatoes, and stir.
• Add the chicken broth, and stir.
• Bring the sauce to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Slowly add the heavy cream and stir well.
• Add the chicken breasts and let simmer for 5 more minutes while spooning cream sauce on top off the chicken.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

The post Chicken in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce appeared first on Cozy Country Living.

Food has the ability to transport you to a different place, maybe even a different time. The smell or taste of a food can instantly bring you there. For those of you dreaming of a tropical getaway while continuing to be safe at home, let this colorful and tasty recipe for Caribbean Style Chicken & Veggies brighten your day and take away! This recipe includes a tasty marinade made with Mazola® Corn Oil, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, ginger & cloves. A clinical study showed Mazola Corn Oil reduces cholesterol 2x more than extra virgin olive oil. To learn more about this claim, visit Mazola.com.

This Spring many planned family vacations were cancelled and put on hold indefinitely. Beautiful sunsets, warm temperatures and white sandy beaches… Aaah… the next best thing is creating part of your favorite getaways at home. Cooking is something we all have to do, so why not make it an enjoyable experience this summer?!

Get out your favorite plates, napkins or table linens and set the mood for a great Caribbean inspired meal. You’ll feel like you’re back on an island. This recipe is so simple, but oh so good! It pairs flavorful and moist chicken with colorful fresh vegetables for a delicious, well balanced meal the whole family will love.

The most important part of this recipe is the oil! Mazola® Corn Oil keeps your chicken and veggies moist while helping to distribute all of those amazing fragrant spices into your chicken and vegetables. Mazola has a high smoke point (450˚ F), which is great for grilling and stir frying at high temperatures. For this recipe, we are grilling outside on our gas grill!

You can use any type of chicken you like for this recipe. I’ve chosen to use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but legs, drumsticks or thighs with skin would be just as delicious.

In a glass measuring cup or small mixing bowl, whisk together your Mazola Corn Oil and spices. Mazola Corn Oil is an all-purpose, cholesterol free cooking oil that is smart heart-heathy choice for your family. Variety of uses include baking, grilling, sautéing, stir frying, or mixing up a marinade or dressing!

Mazola Corn Oil is a heart-healthy* cooking oil and creates marinades that make great-tasting food because it has a neutral taste that lets the natural flavor of your food stand out.

I like to cut my chicken breasts in half to reduce the thickness. This also stretches the meat when you have a large family like ours and it will reduce your cooking time. With a fork, poke holes all over the chicken breasts. This tenderizes your chicken and will ensure that the marinade gets into every little bit of your meat. Yum!

Place your chicken in a plastic, gallon sized bag. Pour 3/4 of the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag. With your hands move the bag from side to side and massage the marinade all over the chicken to coat it evenly. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinade for at least 20 minutes.

Place your cut vegetables into another plastic, gallon sized bag and pour the rest (You can reserve a little if you’d like to brush more marinade over the chicken while grilling) of the marinade over them. Seal the bag and move the bag around from side to side, being sure to coat all of the veggies. Place the vegetables in the refrigerator and let sit for at least 20 minutes as well.

I used asparagus, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini and squash but feel free to use what you have on hand or what’s freshly picked from your garden!

While the chicken and the veggies are marinating (for at least 20 minutes- but you may marinate overnight too) get your grill warmed up. You’ll need to grill on medium heat to ensure proper cooked temperatures for this recipe.

When your grill is ready, carefully place the chicken on one side of the grill grates. Cook the chicken on each side for 4-6 minutes. After turning the chicken over, brush with the marinade you have reserved.

You can use a grill pan or a cast iron skillet for your vegetables on the other side of the grill. Grill these vegetables for 3-5 minutes on each side or until softened.

Once everything is done cooking, remove the chicken from the grill, set it on a plate and cover it with foil to rest for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors and juices to settle.

Serve this dish hot with a side of rice or a side salad. Take the time to sit down and enjoy your family while this tasty meal takes you away! Enjoy!

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Caribbean Style Chicken & Veggies

Course Main Course

Servings 6

Equipment

• Gas Grill

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mazola Corn Oil
• 2 Tbsp. turmeric
• 1 Tbsp. coriander
• 1/2 Tbsp. cumin
• 1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ginger
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced in half the long way
• 1 red onion quartered
• 1/2 lb. asparagus
• 1 zucchini quartered the long way
• 1 yellow squash sliced into pieces
• 1 orange pepper quartered
• 1 red pepper quartered

Instructions

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk the dry spices into the Mazola Corn Oil.
• With a fork, pierce the chicken all over to tenderize and allow for marinade to penetrate the meat.
• Place chicken in a gallon sized plastic bag, and pour 3/4 of the marinade into the bag. Close the bag, with your hands move the bag around from side to side and massage the marinade into all of the chicken evenly coating it. Place in refrigerator and let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes to marinade.
• Place your cut veggies (cut roughly the same size)into another gallon sized plastic bag, seal and add remaining marinade to the veggies. (Reserve a little if you would like to brush the chicken with it while grilling. Let sit at least 20 minutes to marinade.
• Preheat your gas grill to a medium heat.
• Place chicken on the grill and cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until the temperature reaches 165 degrees. Brush reserved marinade onto chicken while grilling if desired.
• In a grill pan or small cast iron skillet, cook/grill veggies on the other side of the grate until softened.
• Remove chicken from grill and let sit for 5 minutes covered with foil to let it rest and to let the flavors distribute.
• Serve hot with the grilled vegetables.
• This meal goes great with a side salad or with rice.
• Enjoy!

*see Mazola.com for more information on the relationship between corn oil and heart health.​

*see Mazola.com for more information.

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The post Caribbean Style Chicken & Veggies appeared first on Cozy Country Living.

Well, it’s a few days after Easter and I still have ham in my fridge! I don’t like to waste any food at our house, so soup it is. I actually love a good soup and with the chilly “Spring” weather we had today (42 degrees ) I thought it would warm my family up too.

I feel blessed that we have a little room to spread out here in the country. The kids can get outside and really go their own way if they like. After not going anywhere for about a month, they tend to get on each other’s nerves once in a while… and mine.

The fresh air does feel so good, even if it is cold. The leaves are starting to bud on the trees here and the daffodils are blooming. It’s important to take care of our mental health these days too. Go for a walk, get some fresh air and be thankful for all of the little things we have.

I am thankful that my family is healthy and we can enjoy this soup meal together!

This soup is not only creamy, delicious and hearty, but it’s super easy to make and you should have most of these ingredients on hand. If not, you can improvise!

After peeling, cubing and boiling your potatoes, reserve 2 cups of the liquid. This will be added to the soup later to help thicken it up. Think of it as “potato broth”! After you drain and reserve your water, just set your cubed potatoes aside.

In your stock pot, saute the onions and grated carrots in butter until fragrant and translucent.

Add flour and stir to create a paste (your “roux”) then slowly add the reserved potato water and your milk. I usually use 2% milk in this recipe but any will do. Then stir some more. Stir, stir, stir…

After bringing that creamy base to a low boil, add your shredded pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheeses and give it a good stir. If you have different cheeses at home, that’s fine too. White cheddar, Colby jack or mild cheddar should work as well.

Since I had some leftover steamed green beans in the refrigerator I cut those into 1 inch sized pieces, along with my ham. If you have some leftover vegetables or just some in the freezer- you can mix those into the soup at this point.

Seasoning your soup to taste means what it says. To YOUR taste. I like to add some freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt to the soup to season it a bit.

Your potatoes are the last item to get added and after giving everything one good last stir, you’re all finished!

Serve this soup hot and garnished with a little fresh or dried parsley for some color.

This soup is great on it’s own, but it’s really good served with rolls, biscuits or a loaf of crusty bread. My children love to dip bread into their creamy soups.

I hope you & your family are staying happy, healthy and safe during this difficult time. If you have an elderly neighbor, parent or grandparent, please check in on them. You can even leave a container of soup on their steps and say hello with a wave through the glass on the door. I hope you enjoy this soup & your family.

Remember #wereallinthistogether

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Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup

This delicious & hearty Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup is a great way to use any leftover ham. It's easy to make and serves a crowd!

Course Main Course, Soup

Servings 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. Russet Potatoes peeled, cubed, cooked and drained (reserve 2 cups of the liquid)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots grated
• 2 cups reserved potato water
• 6 cups milk
• 3-4 cups ham roughly chopped
• 1 cup green beans cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese grated
• 1 cup cheddar cheese sharp or extra sharp
• freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• salt to taste

Instructions

• Saute your onions and carrots in a stock pot in butter until translucent.
• Add your flour and mix until you create a thick paste (roux)
• Slowly add your reserved potato water and the milk.
• Stir well and bring to a low boil.
• Add your chopped ham and beans. Stir.
• Add your cheeses and stir.
• Add pepper and salt to taste.
• Add your cooked potatoes and stir well.
• Garnish with parsley.
• Serve hot with fresh crusty bread.

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The post Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup appeared first on Cozy Country Living.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Swanson Health Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

In today’s world we spend a lot of our time working and playing in front of computer screens, smartphones and TVs. While these digital devices have improved and simplified the way we do things, it also has increased our exposure to blue light. What’s blue light? Blue light refers to the short wavelength, high energy light rays that are omitted by those digital devices. The physical properties of the blue light can damage your eyes, especially your retinas.

Eye damage isn’t necessarily something most of us are concerned with until our later years, but the average American today spends nearly 11 hours each day in front of an electronic device! That’s 77 hours a week and that leads to sore, tired, fatigued and strained eyes.

With all of that exposure, it’s time to be proactive about your eye health! Because these devices are fairly new, we don’t really know what the long-term effects can be so it’s important to take action now.

At our house, my husband and I both run businesses that require us to be at the computer most of the day. To unwind in the evening we often sit down in front of the TV and watch a show together. Some nights we choose to read on our Kindles. We really aren’t giving our eyes a break at all until we turn in for the night, which is not good.

Swanson Health now offers the perfect way to help you support your eye health with Vision Defense!

Swanson Vision Defense Eye Health eye health formula helps fight the negative effects blue light can have on your eyes. This dietary supplement features important ingredients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and an innovative antioxidant blend that includes broccoli extract, bilberry extract and astaxanthin that support healthy retinas.

This supplement can easily be incorporated into your daily routine and can even be taken with your vitamin in the morning. I love that Vision Defense is available in an easy to swallow softgel form too! That makes it so easy to take!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

https://www.facebook.com/swansonhealth/videos/10155698267084336/

Now that I am aware of how much my eyes are exposed to blue light each day, I am taking steps to support my eye health. After all, sight is something you should never take for granted. Share the important facts about Blue Light and Eye Health with your family and friends today.

To get started on your own eye health journey, you can also start incorporating Foods that Promote Eye Health, become aware of your daily electronic device usage and be sure to include Vision Defense dietary supplement in your day as an important addition to help you reach your overall health goals.

Vision Defense is a breakthrough formula that is ONLY available at Swanson.com!

 Right now, take an exclusive 15% off Swanson Health Product + Free shipping on orders over $50 Use code COZY (expires 5/1)

The bonus?  You can also enter for your chance to win a bottle of Swanson Health Vision Defense!

Cozy Country Living + Vision Defense Giveaway

Swanson Health started in 1969 with a mission to offer pure and potent health products at a great value. It’s a mission that continues to this day and one that the company prides itself on. Our family confidently shops exclusively at Swanson.com for science-backed vitamins and supplements that are important for our family’s health and wellness.

Swanson Health is passionate about helping people with health, no matter where they are on their wellness journey. They have ton of amazing health & wellness information to help you combat the perils of modern wellness.

Check out their A-Z Guide to Modern Wellness on their blog for more tips and tricks at swanson.com/atozwellness and join the conversation today with #mymodernwellness.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Promote Eye Health & Be Aware of Blue Light Damage + GIVEAWAY appeared first on Cozy Country Living.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tender & True Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holidays are almost here, can you believe it?! With all of the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s last minute gifts to buy, cookies to bake and dinner menus to plan all while preparing your home for out of town family and friends. All of that excitement sure can take its toll on us, but it also can also take its toll on your furry best friend. Slow down and take a few moments this week to consider holiday pet safety for your little (or big) fur ball.

Here’s 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe this Holiday: 

Keep Dress Up Items Out of Reach. Who can resist snapping a few photos of their dog with antlers on for the holidays?! My children love to dress our golden retriever Oscar up with headbands, glasses, bows and even jingle bells this time of year. He’s a big goof ball and really hasn’t ever seemed to mind all of the fun. He’s use to it here at our house.

Those items however, left unattended, are what dogs love to chew on. Unfortunately, dogs can easily choke on these items or they can end up with a piece of something stuck in their digestive tract. A situation like this could not only end up with an emergency vet visit, but could also take your dog’s life.

Don’t Feed From the Table. Delicious homemade food fresh from the oven calls everyone to the table. As your dog smells the savory and sweet aromas from the kitchen, his nose will lead him right to the table as well.

You may have a “no feeding from the table” rule that your immediate family follows every day, but guests may not know that and may try to “treat” your dog because it’s the holidays. Feeding your dog table food is a recipe for an upset stomach and can be a choking hazard. Bones and fatty pieces of meat can easily be choked on especially if your dog is overly excited and eats it quickly.

Our holiday food may also contain things that are poisonious to our furry family member. Toxic foods include chocolate, grapes and some nuts.

Treat Your Fury Friend. Make sure you have a good treat on hand for your dog during your family’s dinner time. After all, it’s the holidays and we want our pets to enjoy themselves too. They’re part of the family!

We always make it a point to give Oscar a special dinner on Christmas. Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe (complete with whole chickpeas) makes the perfect treat! I love to keep this healthy, wet dog food on hand for special occasions. Tender & True provides an irresistible dinner, complete with nutrients your dog needs while keeping him occupied and not begging for your dinner table.

Tender & True Pet Nutrition is made with the the same food standards we expect for ourselves. Its balanced formula is free from fillers, corn, soy, is always antibiotic free, and is never made with artificial ingredients. This Farm-to-Bowl superfood will keep your dog feeling and looking their best so you can enjoy each other for many more holidays to come!

These tasty wet food options are available in several different varieties and come in an easy to open can for freshness. If you happen to have a stocking hanging above your chimney for your dog this year, these definitely make great stocking stuffers!

Find Tender & True near you!

Consider The Company You Are Having. Whether you are entertaining a few guests for the holidays or a house full, consider how your pet will react to them.

Does your dog have a lot of energy?

Does he get excited easily?

Does he calm down easily?

Does he growl at small children?

Please plan for these types of situations.

At our house, it’s a must even during a special occasion to get Oscar outdoors for some exercise and fun. After all, at 2 1/2, he’s still much like a puppy. This gives him an opportunity to burn up some of that wonderful energy he has, which in turn helps him calm down very easily with the added excitement in our home.

A dog with too much built up energy can possibly become a problem. They can become destructive looking for things to do while we are busy entertaining or can become anxious and on edge around unfamiliar people.

Every dog’s temperament is different and sometimes a startling move from a guest may scare your dog. Smaller children love to reach their tiny little fingers out to pull a tail or paw too. For the safety of your pet and for smaller children, consider a quiet place your best friend can go to to have a little alone time if things get too crazy. (Maybe I should make a quiet alone time place for myself too! )

Wipe Your Dog’s Paws. Taking a quick walk down the street or letting your dog run around your property this holiday is a great way to get some fresh air and burn up some of that dog energy at once.

Keep in mind that many city sidewalks and your home’s walkways will most likely have salt on them. Salting sidewalks and walkways are a necessity during a snowy and cold winter to help melt icy patches that can be very dangerous. No one wants to slip and fall.

Your dog’s paws however can be burned by the rock salt. Small, crushed particles can get stuck in-between wet and furry paws which can eat away at delicate skin causing pains and sores.

Keeping a towel (dampen it before you head out if need be) next to your door is a helpful  reminder to wipe each paw off when you come inside. If this is something new for your pet, start by having him sit and gently pet then wipe each furry little paw. Soon enough it will become just part of your routine!

From my Family to Yours, Happy Holidays!

The post 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe this Holiday appeared first on Cozy Country Living.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tender & True Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

Winter is here and I’m pretty excited about it! I can honestly say that I am definitely not as excited as our golden retriever Oscar though! Here in Western New York we get a good amount of lake effect snow which turns our beautiful country landscape into a whimsical blanket of white. A shimmering, fluffy white powder that he cannot wait to go play in! Sometimes the colder temperatures, shortness of the daylight and winds can hinder us from venturing outdoors. Just like we need to remind ourselves to get outside and moving each day for our health and wellness, we need to ensure that our furry best friends get that same opportunity as well.

Here are 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy this Winter!

Plan Outdoor Time. Set aside just 20 minutes a day. Whether it’s in the morning or late afternoon after you get home from work- head outdoors for a walk. Put it in your schedule and stick to it. Bundle up, and spend a little more time playing with your dog after a “potty trip”. You’re already outside, so make it fun and exciting!

Most likely poking their faces into the snow while running and jumping around will be entertainment enough for your dog. Put your gloves on and throw some snow into the air and be playful. If your children are bundling up for some outdoor play, make it a family affair! The more the merrier! Your dog will love it!

Stimulate Their Minds. If the weather outside is frightful, and your fire is more delightful, consider purchasing a few new toys for your furry friend. A new chew toy, a squeaky toy or even practicing new tricks or commands indoors is a great way to stimulate your pet and keep them focused and their mind healthy. Sometimes we get bored indoors, and so do they.

Feed Them Good, Quality Food. Even with the efforts of increasing your pet’s winter activity, they still may not be as active as they were in the other months of the year. Providing your dog with nutritious and balanced meals each day ensures that they are getting what they need to stay healthy and not putting on extra winter weight. I feed my family food that is simple, fresh and made from natural ingredients. Our dog is a part of our family and I want to make sure he’s getting the same love in his food that I bring to our table.

Tender & True pet food is always antibiotic free and is made with sustainably sourced (GAP certified) ingredients. Their full line of USDA certified Organic dog and cat food is free of fillers, corn and soy. There are never any artificial flavors or preservatives.

Real ingredients like sustainable fish and seafood comes from MSC certified fisheries and poultry is certified humanly raised. Tender & True really is the Farm to Bowl superfood that your pet deserves. After all, we all want our furry friends live a long, happy & healthy life with us. They are our family too!

Find Tender & True near you!

Create a Cozy Sleeping Place. After all of the outdoor winter fun you and your dog will be having, you’ll both want to come inside to get warm and rest. A plush, warm bed complete with a soft blanket set by the fireplace or in your family room will be a welcoming place for your furry friend. Even though they may be resting, dogs like to be in the same room with everyone and don’t want to miss a thing.

Look how happy Oscar gets when he’s on his bed!

Give Them Extra Love. Winter is the perfect time to take a few extra moments to pet and snuggle up with your dog. We’re indoors more this time of year and may have a some free time on our hands. When watching a movie at the end of a long day or laying in bed those extra few minutes on a cold and snowy weekend, reach your hand down and pet that sweet face that’s always by your side. Dogs give so much to us with their unconditional love and all they want in return is yours. Show them how special they are to you. That’s all they really need to be happy and content.

The post 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy this Winter appeared first on Cozy Country Living.

#PowerfullySmart #CollectiveBias

When schedules at home, at work and with family get busy, it’s sometimes hard to make sure we take care of ourselves. At our house, things can get pretty crazy, pretty fast. My husband and I both run businesses and have 4 active children to take care of. Staying focused, being on track and feeling good helps you be the best you can be! We’ve found that taking just a few minutes at the beginning of the week to plan out our meals, including some delicious on the go options, keeps our week moving smoothly. Making sure you get a good, breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with drinking plenty of water each day is a must to keep you feeling great!

Do you drink enough water every day? I use to think that I did, but once I started really keeping track, I realized that I wasn’t getting enough. On my last grocery shopping trip to Walmart, I decided to grab a few nice & big 1L bottles of premium smartwater. smartwater is vapor-distilled for purity, inspired by the clouds, with just the right amount of electrolytes for a uniquely clean taste. I like the sleek packaging that simply reflects the quality that’s inside the bottle. It tastes great and fits easily into your purse, in your gym bag, in your car or in your hand for a walk at the end of a long day.

I’m always on the lookout for simple meals with good ingredients that I can keep on hand at home. I also picked up a few different varieties of NEW Healthy Choice® Power Bowls. Delicious, bold flavors include Adobo Chicken Bowl, Cuban-Inspired Pork Bowl, Chicken Sausage And Barley Bowl, and moderately spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Bowl. Yum!

Healthy Choice’s culinary approach insists that every ingredient matters- and it does! Made with Antibiotic Free Chicken and All Natural USDA Choice Beef, these tasty meals are packed with an intentional balance of vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to fuel your lifestyle. You can find these paleo friendly meals right in your grocer’s freezer section.

When you have spent a little time preparing and thinking about what you will eat for the the week ahead, you’ll find it easy to stay on track trying to stick to a healthier lifestyle.

It’s easy to fall into the convenience trap of eating not so good for us foods when life gets hectic. I love having these meals for those busy nights.

I can get a good, well balanced meal in just minutes that I can feel good about.

When you eat good you feel good too and it shows!

I wanted to share some of my weekly meal planning tricks with you today too! I print out this planner each week and take a few minutes to write down my meals in advance. It really helps me with my grocery shopping trips and there’s no more wondering, “Hmm… what’s for dinner tonight?”

Print yours HERE now and set yourself up for a great week!

Useful Tips:

• Set aside sometime on the weekend to prepare your meal plan
• Start by shopping for ingredients you already have on hand in your pantry & refrigerator at home that you can use for healthy and energizing snacks and sides
• Fruits & Vegetables can be washed and chopped ahead of time & stored in containers for individual snacks or for simple soups that can be used for multiple meals
• Rice, Quinoa, and even Pasta can also be made ahead of time and tossed with a favorite sauce or dressing along with a protein and vegetable
• Prepare chicken or any meat you have on hand for salads, wraps or casseroles
• Browse through cookbooks or magazines for meal inspiration
• Write down your meal plan ideas on your planner so you have a shopping plan when you go to the store
• Head to Walmart & purchase plenty of smartwater to stay hydrated throughout the week & choose a few of your favorite Healthy Choice® Power Bowls for quick lunches or dinners for the week
• Earn .75 Cash Back when you purchase Healthy Choice® Power Bowls at Walmart (any variety – any size)!
• Look at your planner everyday & follow it! Enjoy the extra time you’ve saved this week by planning ahead. Take that long Fall walk you’ve been meaning to, or catch up with an old friend.
• Pat yourself on the back for making time for yourself! You’re worth it!

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Purchasing a playset for your children is a great investment. It provides them with countless hours of outdoor fun & creative play in addition to making great memories. We’ve had our playset for a while now and although it’s still a backyard staple for our 4 kiddos ages 6-14, it’s taken quite a beating over the past few years. This Spring we’re giving our backyard a little makeover and Making our Old Playset NEW Again!

Many windy, rainy and snowy seasons eventually took it’s toll on the original canopy that once covered the top of our playset. Our children really missed that “shelter” from the sun and the idea that being under cover is well… just more fun!

My husband and I decided we wanted to build our own roof to make the playset feel and look complete again. After measuring the area, we headed to Lowe’s and found the GAF Roofing Center.

The GAF Roofing Center shows you the different types and colors of shingles available. It was important to us that we use GAF  Timberline Shingles because they not only look good, but they are extremely durable too! These are the best selling shingles in North America and are often used by contractors, but DIY’ers love them just as much!

GAF also stands behind their products and offers a Warranty!

Have you ever installed your own roofing before? If not, start small with a project like this one!

For this project you will need:

• Timberline® shingles (High Definition®, Natural Shadow® or American Harvest®)
• Pro-StartFeltBuster® High-Traction Synthetic Roofing Felt FeltBuster®
• TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles OR
• TimberTex® Seal-A-Ridge® Protective Ridge Cap Shingles
• Nails: 1 ¼” galvanized steel roofing nails
• Nails: 1” – 1 ¼” round plastic cap roofing nails
• (8) 2 x 4’s
• 1 piece plywood
• Metal or Aluminum Drip Edge (optional)
• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Redwood Stain

We chose Timberline® Natural Shadow® shingles in the Charcoal color to match the roofing on our house.

Keep in mind that measurements will be different for all sizes of playsets out there. Measuring accurately will be your key to success here.

We (my husband) started the roof by measuring and cutting ridge board and fascia boards to frame the roof. Since my husband is quite tall, he pulled the back of his pickup truck to the playset to work off of safely. You may use a ladder if needed.

After cutting an angle on the first 2 x 4 rafter for the roof, that piece becomes a pattern. Use the pattern to correctly cut the remaining 7 rafters. Then screw them into place.

Measure the roof area and cut the plywood to place on top. Nail the plywood onto the rafters to secure. Repeat for the other side of the roof.

Measure the plywood roof area and add drip edge if desired. Then cover the roof with FeltBuster® and secure with round plastic cap roofing nails.

Start a pattern with your Timberline® shingles and complete the first side of the roof. Fill in the field and make any necessary end cuts along the rake edge and ridge.

Repeat on the other side of the roof. Add the TimberTex® to cap the ridge and secure following package instructions.

I brushed and rolled the stain onto the worn wood of the Playset and let it dry for 24 hours. Not only does this freshen up the playset and make it look like new, but it helps to protect it as well.

With the warmer temperatures, I couldn’t wait to add some flowers to this space. I purchased a few simple green plastic flower planters to plant them in to complete the look.

One final touch- a fun bicycle welcome mat and some colorful striped outdoor pillows for the playhouse! It’s the perfect place to read or play a game!

Our kiddos couldn’t be happier with their “NEW” Playset and it’s perfect timing too… just in time for summer!

So what do you think? In the mood to spruce up your playset? Head to Lowes and make Your Old Playset NEW Again this weekend!

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Quick and easy dinners are always wonderful, especially throughout the Spring season. There just seems to be less time available to spend in the kitchen with the beautiful weather blooming outside. If I can get a delicious and satisfying dinner on our table before my family heads off to a little league baseball game, I feel like a winner! This 30 minute flavorful One Pan Pork with Rice & Asparagus is a simple meal you won’t want to miss!

This 5 ingredient meal features creamy brown rice mixed with tender slices of garlic & herb marinated pork with the addition of crisp, fresh asparagus for a well rounded supper that will surely become a new Spring favorite!

I purchased a Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork Roasted Garlic & Herb Loin Filet on my last grocery trip to Walmart because it helps me create “Real Flavor Real Fast!”

Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork is 100% pork and is available in a variety of flavors across Tenderloins, Loin Filets and Roasts and can be prepared in a variety of ways including, grilled, roasted or sautéed.

For this recipe we are going to be slicing the filet in half and then slicing the halves again in to 1/2 inch pieces. In a large skillet with a lid, heat a little extra virgin olive oil and start cooking your pork over medium to high heat for 5 minutes.

After most of the pink is gone, add the chicken broth and the instant brown rice then stir well.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and slice your fresh asparagus into 1 1/2 inch bite size pieces so they will be ready to go.

After simmering, add the asparagus, stir, cover and simmer for just 5 more minutes.

Turn off the heat, remove the lid, add a little freshly cracked black pepper and salt if desired along with fresh parsley for garnish and serve! This dish perfect by itself, but it can also be enjoyed with a fresh salad and bread too!

If you happen to have leftovers, adding a spoonful of this to a wrap makes a delicious on the go lunch the very next day! Yum!

A great family meal is only minutes away with the help of Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork, so make sure to grab your favorite flavor and variety to put on your menu this week!

Enjoy!

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One Pan Pork with Rice & Asparagus

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 - 2 1/2 lbs. Smithfield Roasted Garlic & Herb Loin Filet sliced in half then into 1/2 inch pieces
• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups instant brown rice dry
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus washed and cut into 1 1/2 inch bite sized pieces
• salt
• freshly cracked black pepper
• fresh parsley for garnish if desired

Instructions

• In a large skillet with lid, heat your extra virgin love oil over medium heat and cook the pork for 5 minutes, until most of the pink is gone.
• Add the chicken broth and rice, and give everything a good stir. 
• Cover and simmer over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add the fresh asparagus, stir, cover and cook just 5 more minutes.
• Remove from heat, uncover, add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve by itself or along with a salad and bread.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Got leftovers? Add a spoonful of this tasty One Pan Meal to your favorite wrap for a yummy on the go lunch the next day!

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Is breakfast your favorite meal of the day? It’s often mine! Our family loves waffles, so we enjoy them at least once a week. Because life gets busy with a big family like ours, having Eggo Waffles on hand in the freezer is really convenient. They’re also are perfect for this delicious Veggie & Bacon Waffle Panini recipe. Enjoy these tasty grilled sandwiches not only for breakfast, but for lunch and dinner! They can be ready in just a few minutes too!

Guess what?!

The entire line of Eggo Waffles now have colors & flavors from natural sources! There are several different varieties available in your Walmart’s grocery section, but for this recipe we are using Kellogg’s® Eggo® Thick & Fluffy Original Waffles. Yum! These are Belgian Style just like the ones you make at home!

My kiddos also love grabbing Kellogg’s® Eggo® Nutri-Grain® Whole Wheat Waffles and eating them plain with a piece of fruit for a quick snack throughout the week, so we add those to our cart too.

What’s your favorite Eggo® waffle flavor? Grab a box or 2 of your favorite today and Earn $0.50 when you purchase any ONE Eggo® Thick & Fluffy Waffles variety, 6 ct. pack only at Walmart. Available while supplies last.

Along with the perfectly toasted Eggo waffles, this tasty panini features crispy bacon, fresh colorful peppers and onions with melted Swiss cheese.

Start by washing and slicing your green, orange, and yellow peppers along with some red onion.

Next, in a saute pan, soften your sliced veggies in a little butter and extra virgin olive oil. Oh, this smells so good!

Washing, slicing and even sauteing the vegetables can all be done ahead of time and then stored in your refrigerator to make this sandwich assembly during the week even quicker.

After toasting your waffles to perfection, layer each one with a slice of Swiss cheese and top one of the waffles with the crispy bacon.

Add a generous layer of those sweet an colorful peppers to the panini on top of the bacon.

Carefully close the sandwich and press down gently.

After adding a little butter to the top of the waffle, I like to use my counter top electric grill for pressing the panini. If you have a panini press, go ahead and use that to grill these sandwiches! You can even grill these in a regular pan on your stove top.

When these sandwiches are grilling, you can really smell the wonderful combination of flavors. A hint of sweetness from the fluffy waffles mingled with the savory aroma of the Swiss cheese melting with the crispy bacon and those veggies… I couldn’t wait to take a bite!

When the cheese has melted and the panini is nice and golden on top, remove it from the heat.

Simply slice the panini into half, or quarters, whichever way you like and enjoy! It’s a satisfying and quick meal that you can put together in just minutes.

Get creative in the kitchen with your favorite Eggo Waffles this week!

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Veggie & Bacon Waffle Panini

This simple, fresh & colorful waffle panini can be made in a matter of minutes and is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Servings 3

Ingredients

• 1 box Eggo Thick & Fluffy Original Waffles, 6 ct. toasted
• 6 pieces sliced Swiss cheese
• 12 pieces crispy bacon
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups green, orange, and yellow peppers with red onion slices

Instructions

• Wash and slice your fresh bell peppers along with your red onion.
• In a pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and heat the oil to saute the vegetables until softened.
• Remove the veggie mixture from the heat and set aside.
• Toast your waffles until they are crispy on the outside, but still fluffy on the inside.
• Spread out your waffles in an assembly type line, then add a piece of Swiss cheese to each one.
• Top 3 waffles with a layer of crispy bacon.
• Top the bacon with about a cup of the sauted veggie mixture.
• Close the sandwich and add a little butter to the top of the waffle panini.
• Grill the panini in a pan, on an indoor electric counter top grill or a panini press until the cheese has melted and the top is nice and golden brown.
• Remove from heat, slice and enjoy!

Notes

For a heartier option, add a fried egg!

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