Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

After School Snack Tray

We may only be two weeks into the new school year but First Grade has been keeping Toodie and I both very busy. Adapting to a structured routine after a relaxed summer has actually been much easier than I anticipated. I’m still struggling with the early mornings but it can’t all be sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s been a complete breeze. Waking up earlier than need be, writing thoughtful lunch notes, carefully crafting themed bento boxes, ironing uniforms, and making flashcards can be exhausting. Insert more over-achieving mom problems here. First Grade is proving to be much different than Kindergarten, from the challenging curriculum to the weekly spelling tests. Each day there is something new to be learned. If there is one thing that makes it all worth it, it’s the enlightening car ride home where I get to hear about the highlights of Toodie’s day.
Continue Reading

Skinny Chicken Pot Pie

Disclosure:  The information, products and Publix gift cards were provided by General Mills through Linqia

Resolution season is here and a new year means a fresh start for all of us. Rather than make resolutions I hope to accomplish I came up with a realistic list of goals that I can work towards throughout the year of 2015. Number 6 on that list is eating healthier and trying new foods, specifically vegetables. Letting go of unhealthy eating habits doesn’t necessarily happen over night. It’s a work in progress and with the right amount of effort it will become a lifestyle instead of a chore. I’ve started working towards these goals by purchasing Weight Watchers endorsed products at Publix and getting creative in the kitchen.
Continue Reading

Easy Peasy Bisquick Pizza + Publix #FlavorExcursion Italian Week

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

Home-cooked Italian is always a delicious and affordable meal option. I used to think that I couldn’t pull it off in my own kitchen because I like to keep my recipes simple and impossible to screw up. I’m no seasoned chef by any means but I do like to experiment and work with different flavors. Italian food is OH-SO-GOOD and in high school I was fortunate to work for a small family owned Italian restaurant in my area. They made killer garlic rolls and the best Ziti, Broccoli, and Chicken I have ever tasted! After two years I became familiar with the flavors, recipes, and fresh ingredients used to make the dishes deliciously authentic.
Continue Reading

Tangerine Skirt Steak + Baked Citrus Potatoes

This is a sponsored post facilitated by Seminole Pride™Noble® Juice. #PureFamilyMoment #Ad

All my life I have considered myself a Florida girl at heart. After living here for 25 years, not including the 3 I spent in Colorado, this is my home. It is where I grew up, where I will raise my Toodie, and where I will most likely retire. It’s hard to imagine living anywhere else when you are lucky enough to reside where most people visit for vacation. Not only is it beautiful but it is also rich in history and the citrus groves are one of a kind. You can’t live here without enjoying a glass of 100% Florida OJ on a daily basis. I sure do!
Continue Reading

The Perfect Back To School Breakfast Combination #Back2SchoolBfast

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

It’s Back to School season and in a few days my little girl will be starting her first day of Kindergarten! Insert nervous – over emotional – worried momma emotions here. For those of you with children heading to school soon Cheerios and the Florida Department of Citrus want to make sure you’re preparing them for their big day with a nutritious and energizing breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for our children it’s basically brain food. When I was younger breakfast meant a big bowl of Cheerios, a tall glass of cold OJ, and a slice of buttered toast. I was always a picky morning eater but if there is one thing I would never turn down it was a bowl of cereal. To this day I am a full-fledged Cheerio eater.
Continue Reading

A Breakfast Boost With Cheerios Protein + Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal #BigGBreakfast

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

Are you looking to get back into the swing of things before school starts? During the Summer we sometimes stray away from our usual healthy eating habits. This includes missing one of the most important meals of the day, breakfast. It’s easy to get caught up in Summer fun and run out the door forgetting to eat or grab a snack to go. Take advantage of these last few weeks of Summer by kicking off a smarter eating routine for you and your family. Let General Mills and Big G cereals help with two of their new tasty breakfast options – Cheerios Protein and Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal!
Continue Reading

The Publix® “Love to Shop Here, Love to Save Here” Event #LoveToGrillHere

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

The end of Summer is quickly approaching, EEEKKK!  That means it’s time to start preparing for back to school while also making the most of these last few weeks of relaxation. There is so much to do and so little time to get everything done. Now more than ever I have been looking for quick and easy meal ideas to get us through these busy weeks leading up to the first day of school. This week I headed to Publix® to  check out the “Love to Shop Here, Love to Save Here” event running through the first week of August. It was time to stock up & save on my family’s favorites.
Continue Reading

A Quick + Easy Meal For A Steal At Publix! #OldElPasoMealDeal

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

What if I told you it was possible to make a complete meal, including dessert, for under $20? You may not believe me but it can be done! If you are looking for a great deal on a delicious easy meal that’s quick and effortless then Publix should be your shopping destination this week. They have the solution for busy weeknights and activity filled weekends in which there just isn’t enough time to slave over a stove. You don’t have to compromise quality or flavor, just prepare yourself for extra savings. Publix has a solution that will include an entrée, side item and dessert for less than $13!
Continue Reading

Cinco De Mayo Celebration With Old El Paso + Publix #PlatfullCoOp #spon

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

How did my Cinco De Mayo go this year? I don’t wanna TACO ’bout it…

Joking! I am happy to share with you my love for this short but sweet holiday and how I celebrated. This week I spent a good portion of time browsing the web viewing recipes for different variations of tacos, salsas, margaritas, and sopapillas. Tacos are one of those things I could eat any day of the week and never get tired of them, even if they’re in their simplest form. I received a big box of celebration goodies from Platefull Co-Op that included our favorite Old El Paso products along with a few I wasn’t familiar with. The Stand N’ Stuff Soft Flour Tortillas have been an essential for taco night’s at our home since we first discovered them. I love how they are the perfect shape and stand right up even after you stuff them with your favorite toppings. No broken shells. No leaky sauces. Just fold and eat! That’s my kinda taco.
Continue Reading

Experience Yogurt Perfection With Liberté Yogurt #TeamLiberte

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by Liberte Yogurt through Platefull Co-Op.

Aside from my baking obsession I have been making a conscious effort to eat healthier snacks lately. I’ve stopped buying potato chips and sugary treats to eliminate all temptation! With all of that bad stuff out of the house I have found myself eating more fresh fruit, veggies, and yogurt. During my transition I was introduced to a new brand of yogurt that I had never tried before. As part of the General Mills family, Liberté embodies all things that nature has to offer. Liberté Méditerranée uses only the finest ingredients and nothing more – from whole milk and cream to live, active cultures and bold, real fruit. They also refrain from adding gelatin, sugar substitutes or preservatives. From taste alone you can tell the difference between Liberté and other brands. It’s delicious, creamy, and rich in flavor. It’s also a safe product that the whole family can enjoy. 
Continue Reading

Everywhere