Meal Planning Monday

August 28, 2021

Let's go ahead and do Meal Planning Monday - on a Saturday - because Ida is about to make an appearance and who knows what the internet connection holds for Monday. 

The first two days never were made and got on this week rotation (thurs-thurs) but the recipe on Sunday - don't sleep on it. 


Thursday | Chopped Brisket Stuffed Potato (topped with sour cream and green onions) 


Friday | Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken & Brussel Sprouts with a side of rice


Saturday | Eating Out 


Sunday | Half Baked Harvest Thai Black Pepper Chicken with Garlic Noodles (This meal was wonderful! I made it early since Sunday will be a bust, but oh my word it was good!) 


Monday | Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf with Roasted Broccoli


Tuesday | Leftovers


Wednesday | Sam's Chick-fil-a knock off nuggets and fries (the kids fav and my fav on single mom night) 


Lunch - Taco Salad (Mon-Tues) and Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato (Wed-Sat) 

I'm also making this Peach Cake before the Faster Way 21 Day Sugar Elimination Challenge starts. 

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4 Essentials You Must Book in Advance for Your Wedding

August 21, 2021

When it comes to wedding planning, there will always be a long list of things to do. It can be a stressful time, as every couple wants their special day to be perfect, but it should be an exciting experience for you and your partner as well. While there will likely be unexpected issues that you will have to deal with together, to help you reduce the chances of things going awry and avoid unnecessary stress when wedding planning, make sure you book the following essentials way in advance.




1. The Venue



Even if you’re planning a low-key wedding where you tie the knot at the city hall and head over to your favorite restaurant or bar for the celebrations, you must still book ahead to avoid disappointment. All venues will have events going on, and if you have specific dates in mind for your big day, you need to make sure that where you want your wedding to take place is available. As soon as you have decided on a venue, put down a deposit as soon as possible to make sure you won’t lose out to someone else.


2. Catering



You can’t throw a wedding without providing your guests with food and drink. Otherwise, you’ll have a lot of hungry people getting restless and wanting to leave so they can get themselves something to eat. A lot of wedding venues offer catering packages that you can choose from for the perfect courses and to suit your budget. However, if you are having your wedding at a venue that doesn’t offer this, you’ll need to organize catering yourself. Try to get your wedding menu finalized and the caterers booked a year in advance so you have peace of mind all of your guests will be well-fed, and don’t forget about the wedding cake either! 


3. Hair and Makeup



All brides want to look their best at their wedding, and even if you’re someone who doesn’t usually put a lot of effort into hair and makeup, it’s nice to treat yourself to a pamper session on your special day. However, makeup artists and hairstylists also get booked up for numerous events, so you need to get them booked in at least six months before your wedding date. This will also allow you time to go for test runs so you can experiment with various hair and makeup styles to find the ones that suit you and your bridesmaids. Contact the beauty salon, utopiabeautique.com as they can help you find the perfect bridal look and offer a range of other treatments to help you feel like a goddess on your wedding day.


4. Dress Fitting



Another thing all brides need to do in advance is finding their wedding dress. This is because you need to allow for time to have a proper fitting and for these adjustments to be made so you can glide down the aisle in a dress that fits you like a glove. Ideally, give yourself longer than six months to find one in case these alterations take longer than expected – they will be working on other brides’ dresses as well, so assume they will be very busy.


There are many things you need to book in advance for your wedding, but these are essentials that need to take priority for couples, as well as transport and accommodation for yourselves and your guests on the day.

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Three Extravagant Gifts to Give to Your Husband

August 18, 2021

 Giving a gift to someone is a wonderful opportunity to show your love and appreciation for the person in question. When the gift recipient is your husband, you will definitely want to go the extra mile to put a smile on his face.


If you are looking ahead to a big milestone in your husband’s life, then you might want to think about giving him an extravagant gift to mark the occasion. 




Buying Extravagant Gifts


It can be hard to know what an appropriate level of extravagance is when it comes to gift shopping for your spouse. This can be made all the more complicated if you are not sure what he would like to receive or what some of his interests actually are. 


The following are three fantastic gift ideas that can help you to make your husband happy.


A Vespa Scooter


The Vespa is, without a doubt, the most iconic scooter brand in the entire world. 


If you need help with shopping for Vespa scooters, then, fortunately, there is a lot of great information online to help you make the best choice.   


If your husband has spoken of his interest in scooters or motorbikes in the past, then it is safe to assume he would love to receive this gift. You can either go ahead and buy one for him, or you can let him know you would like to do this and let him pick one out for himself.


You could soon be enjoying rides together to romantic destinations on his new Vespa scooter. 


A Helicopter Ride


If your husband is a thrill-seeker, then this will be an amazing gift for him to receive. Taking a ride in a helicopter could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is sure to be a gift that he will never forget.


There are a number of companies that offer helicopter rides as a gift experience, and you can surely find one that is not too far away from your local area. 


Folding Electric Bike


If your man commutes to the office but is not a fan of breaking a sweat, then a folding electronic bike is going to be the perfect gift for him. 


Folding bikes are perfect for carrying onto public transport and can also easily be stored in the home or the office. The added electronic element will mean that your husband will have to put much less effort into riding the bike as the motor will give him a boost.


This is a gift that can be used any time for any purpose and does not specifically have to be used just for commuting. 


Gifts for your Husband


Of course, the gifts that you give to your spouse do not always have to be so extravagant. It is often the case that a small gift is all you need to mark an occasion and to demonstrate your love for him. 


Giving much bigger and more luxurious gifts can be saved for those super special reasons when you truly want to go above and beyond.


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Meal Planning Monday

August 15, 2021

Summer is done, and life is back-ish in session. Y'all I'd be lying if I said my head isn't still spinning from this move. Hopefully life settles into a predictable daily schedule soon. 


Meanwhile - I'm about to go back to Thursday grocery pickup. Half my order wasn't picked this Saturday. 



Thursday | Chopped Brisket Stuffed Potato (topped with sour cream and green onions) 


Friday | Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken & Brussel Sprouts with a side of rice


Saturday | Eating Out 


Sunday | Pioneer Woman Comfort Meatballs over Mashed Potatoes (but using Trader Joes Turkey Meatballs) 


Monday | Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad


Tuesday | Burger Bowl (just a deconstructed burger on salad instead of a bun) 


Wednesday | Sam's Chick-fil-a knock off nuggets and fries (the kids fav and my fav on single mom night) 


Lunch - Chicken Carnitas with broccoli slaw, pickled onion, avocado lime ranch (on low carb days I'll add half an avocado and regular carb days I'll also eat a peach) + tortilla chips if they fit in my macros. 

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3 Things You Will Need in Order to Become a School Principal

August 6, 2021

The field of education is one that is incredibly diverse in regard to the opportunities for advancement that exist. While many people find their true calling in working as full-time teachers in the classroom for the duration of their careers, others find themselves hoping to help affect positive change at a higher level within the education system.


Such individuals might look to become school administrators or even school principals. The position of a school principal is one that involves a great deal of responsibility and the ability to wear multiple hats throughout the day.


If you aspire to become a school principal one day, there are several steps that you should be prepared to take. You will need more than just your credentials as a teacher to be qualified for the job. Furthermore, you will want to make sure that you take steps to set yourself apart from any competition for the position that you have your eye on.


With that in mind, here are three of the things that you will need in order to become a school principal.




1. The Right Level of Education


Most states and schools only require you to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject to become a teacher. However, if you wish to become a school principal one day, you will need to earn a graduate degree as well.

While in most cases a master’s degree in education will suffice, you might wish to consider a PhD in education if you are hoping to really set yourself apart from the competition and be as prepared as possible for the job. 

Consider looking into Merrimack College Master's Degree in Education program to get a better understanding of what such a degree program would entail.

2. Plenty of Experience


Becoming a school principal means that you will be working as the go-between for the teachers working at your school and other members of administration and the school board. This means that you need to not only have experience as a teacher to help manage them, but you will also require administrative skills to excel in the other part of your job.

You will need to understand the needs of your teachers and help them accomplish all of their goals within the classroom. They will be turning to you for support throughout the school year in regard to various aspects of their own jobs.

This means that you will need to have plenty of experience working as a teacher yourself. Several years of teaching experience is an important piece of the puzzle when your goal is to become a school principal.

3. State Licensing


Having the right education and experience under your belt will qualify you to be able to apply for state licensing and certification as a school principal. Make sure that you know precisely what your state’s requirements are so that you can be prepared as possible for the certification and licensing process. This will include taking and passing the licensing exam as dictated by your state of residence.



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4 Benefits of Completing Your Master's in Healthcare Administration

August 5, 2021

Today's guest post is very timely, with Dad's last hospital visit being understaffed plus all the recent news in Louisiana... we can use all the healthcare workers we can muster up. 

.......................

Completing a master's in any subject is no easy feat and will offer you many benefits as you choose your dream career path and use the skills you have learned firsthand. However, some degrees can indeed open more doors than others, and some can really be an all-rounder, which will get you into a role you love but in a variety of different places.

A master's in healthcare administration does just that.


Read on to find out more about the benefits of completing your master's in healthcare administration!




What Does A Masters In Healthcare Administration Involve? 


One of the best things about obtaining a master's in healthcare is that it enables you to work in many roles over the entire healthcare industry. It is not an over-exaggeration to say that all healthcare providers are absolutely critical to a patient's successful care. They are the heroes behind the scenes who help everything run smoothly, efficiently, and effectively, and all departments of every healthcare system need them. 


Learn A Variety of Skills 


When you study for a master's in healthcare administration, there is the chance to learn numerous important skills that can take your career and personal life to the next level. You will learn how to organize and plan efficiently, which can be used on a large scale. You will learn important communication skills vital for all businesses but could be a case of life or death when working in the healthcare industry. Problem-solving is another important skill that you will become expert at, as healthcare administrators need to navigate emergencies when they arise. This can be anything from a medical crisis to an administration issue.

If you are interested in learning these skills, then take a look at choosing between a MBA vs Healthcare Administration to see which course is right for you.


High Demand 


With healthcare and special needs on the rise, it makes sense that the roles which are associated with their care are also becoming in much higher demand. With people living to far older ages than they have previously and young ones being born every minute, healthcare systems and their professionals will always be a place. Obtaining a master's in healthcare administration means you will likely have high job security for as long as you are in the field, which is an important factor for many people choosing a career path. 


The Pay is Good


Many of us want to choose a career that we enjoy, but we also have to consider the financial side of our decisions. Opting for a role as a healthcare administrator comes with a lot of responsibility and comes with the pay to back it up. It will depend on which role you opt for and what level of experience and qualifications you have, but for those who have opted to take on a master's, they can expect to earn up to around $120,000 a year. There are often opportunities to expand in the role, especially in places doing well and looking to grow.


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Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box || August Peace & Quiet

August 2, 2021

 It's a new month... which means new essential oil recipes and blends from Simply Earth! 




If you haven't ordered before, you will quickly find out that you often receive a new Big Bonus Box every so often, or when you need to request one. It contains all the essentials you need for any essential oil recipe you will run into. You'll get several roller bottles and amber bottles to create your own blends. In the Big Box you'll also find beeswax, almond oil, and a solid and liquid coconut oil. 




This month's peace & quiet theme brings with it recipes I have yet to see Simply Earth include before! There is a bath fizz, lava rock shower diffuser, toilet cleaning bomb, bath salts, a roll on recipe, and a diffuser blend. 

This month's oils are: 

Peace & Quiet Blend - calms and relaxes
Peppermint - soothes and cools
Sage - uplifts
Lavender 40/42 - calms and supports immunity


You'll also receive citric acid, Purple Brazilian Clay, and a lava rock with string. 




I am seriously excited about the lava rock shower diffuser. Outside of the included recipe I could see this being amazing when you have a cold and use with eucalyptus. This month you'll be relaxing with that heavenly Lavender 40/42. 


One item on my DIY list for years has been a fizzy bath bomb, with this Fizzy Purple Bath Scoop that dream will finally become a reality lol! 


I know I've said "purple" twice in this, but that purple is coming from Purple Brazilian Clay which is known to detoxify the skin and make it look healthy! 


Here's a peek at next month's box - you'll be getting a Sweet Dreams Blend, Coffee, Cinnamon, and Blood Orange. 



As always, Simply Earth donates 13% to end Human Trafficking. This month 13% of profits are going to the organization Freedom Cry who offers help to trafficking survivors. 


Head over to Simply Earth to order your AUGUST box and use the code LABRIDEFREE to get a $40 giftcard towards your next order when you get your Bonus Box! 


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