Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

Introducing MomFeeds: Bite-Sized Read for Busy Moms

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This post is sponsored by Weight Watchers and The Motherhood. However, all opinions are my own. 
Next to my dresser in my room, I have a stack of unread print magazines that I subscribe to. I love to read magazines, but finding the time to get all the way through one is really hard to do. Can you relate?
momfeeds magazine pile

7 magazines just waiting for me to read them! What are the odds that I’ll get through them all before the next batch comes in? Not good…

So I was very intrigued by the idea of an all-digital magazine that is available to read on my tablet, FOR FREE. But isn’t it the case that you get what you pay for? So I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from MomFeeds, which is the new publication from Weight Watchers. Would it be full of ads, just like a print magazine? Hard to navigate? What if I only have time to skim the titles? Can I highlight articles to read later, or not so much?

MomFeeds

Let me tell you, I was REALLY impressed with MomFeeds. First and foremost, I have never ever read a magazine that had SO many articles that were so timely and relevant to my life.  After quickly flipping through the headlines, I selected 18 articles that I wanted to go back and read. What’s the last magazine you read that had that many articles that spoke to you? Bet you can’t think of one. And even if you can, I bet that magazine wasn’t free!

What I’m Reading

The content for MomFeeds is always being updated, but here are some of the articles that I’m the most excited about right now, just to give you a sense for what you might find if you take a peek!
  • Tastes Forbidden (but it’s not): Easy Fried Rice
  • 4 Rules for a Clothing Budget
  • Mom’s Weigh In: Back on Plan After Baby #2
  • Mom Makeover: Fab Hair Tricks That Make a Big Difference
  • Instant Mom Energy – Blackberry Peach Smoothie

I am really impressed with this curated list of recipes, tips, style advice and news, all packaged in a way that I can easily access. I can select the articles that interest me now, and add them to a list to read as I have the time to do so. And since it is on my iPad, I don’t have to add another magazine to “the pile” to get around to one day. Also? I get to skip past all those ads that seem to take up 50% or more of print magazines.

How You Can Find It

I’d love for you to check out MomFeeds, and it is really easy to find! Simply visit weightwatchers.com/momfeeds. If you don’t already have the (FREE) Flipboard app (which is such an awesome app, but that’s a topic for another day…), be sure to download it, as that’s the app you’ll need to use to read MomFeeds. Be sure to subscribe to MomFeeds so that you get the fresh new content delivered to your Flipboard and you don’t miss a thing!
Sound a little confusing? No worries! Weight Watchers has put together a video tutorial to show you exactly how you can start checking out MomFeeds. They know we don’t have time for anything that is complicated in our lives (we have enough of that, already!) so they want to make it as easy as possible. And it is, I promise!

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers has really impressed me with this publication, I have to say. They are once again showing themselves to be, in my opinion, a true leader in helping individuals make healthy lasting changes in their lives. For over 50 years, Weight Watchers has helped millions of people lose weight. I have heard from many friends about the Weight Watchers method, and just how effective it can be. I have actually decided on my own to try out Weight Watchers for the next 3 months (3 month online trial subscription provided) and see what I can learn about making choices that are good for me. It’s not just in an effort to change the numbers on the scale, but also in an effort to shift around some of the mental roadblocks that are holding me back a bit, and causing me to reach for food when life gets hard. If a company is willing to provide something like MomFeeds, absolutely free, in an effort to help me on that journey, then I think that speaks volumes about them. I’m on board and excited (and yes, nervous!) about what’s to come!

weight watchers chicken cookbook

 Win it!: TWO lucky Stuff Parents Need readers will each receive the Weight Watchers Ultimate Chicken Cookbook, provided by Weight Watchers. It has 250 of their most fabulous recipes for chicken. Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page!

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Dixie Stampede and Parrot Mountain: Family-Friendly Pigeon Forge

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I wanted to share a few more attractions we visited during our recent stay in the Pigeon Forge area. If you missed the recaps of our visits to the Titanic attraction and to the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, be sure to go check them out. They were both incredible places to visit, even with kids!

As part of our trip, we were provided tickets to two family friendly attractions, the Dixie Stampede dinner show and Parrot Mountain and Gardens. While I think anyone would enjoy checking out both locations, I think they are particularly great for families with kids.

Dixie Stampede

dixie stampede 1

This dinner show, which is owned by Ms. Dolly Parton, is so much more than a meal! Guests are allowed into a saloon an hour and a half before dinner actually begins, and can get yummy specialty drinks (like frozen slushes or fancy soda combinations…no alcohol here) and some popcorn. And you get to listen to a tremendous 3 piece band play songs that you are pretty much guaranteed to know, which makes it easy to sing along.

dixie stampede 2

Darah was completely mesmerized by the banjo player (he serves as Dolly’s banjo player when she tours!). We weren’t supposed to take photos of the performers, but I snapped one of Darah in her trance!

After the pre-dinner show, we were ushered into the arena where the main event would take place. Everyone had assigned seating, so there was no actual “stampede” to get inside, which I appreciated. And once I saw the arena, I realized that there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. The tiers between rows are quite large so that views aren’t obstructed, and the performers in the show do a fantastic job of going all over the performance space so that everyone can get a good view. Once again, no photography was allowed once the show started, but here’s a shot I snapped before that time.

dixie stampede 3

Throughout the show, we were served our delicious meal, which included a really yummy creamy vegetable soup (my personal favorite!), a whole rotisserie chicken (yes, a whole chicken per person!!!), a hickory smoked bbq pork loin, corn on the cob, a homemade biscuit and a herb-basted potato. For dessert we had an apple pastry that was quite yummy, and we also had unlimited Pepsi products, tea or coffee throughout the meal. To say it was a feast would be an understatement! And I appreciated that they offered doggie bags so that you could take home your leftovers.

I haven’t even told you about the show, yet. It is a very playful competition between the north and south, and includes some truly incredible trick riding on horses, great audience participation, and fun songs. It was REALLY GREAT entertainment, and our 4-year-old was on the edge of her seat the whole time! This experience, in my opinion, is really a must if you visit the Pigeon Forge area.

Parrot Mountain and Gardens

parrot mountain 1

This is a very unique attraction, friends! Parrot Mountain and Gardens is basically a bird sanctuary. It is a must see for any bird enthusiasts, or even for anyone who wants a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of most other Pigeon Forge attractions. This attraction is much more secluded in its location and its feel.

Parrot Mountain and Gardens is the largest bird park in the Southeast, and there you will find toucans, horn bills, magpies, and countless other birds. Additionally, you will see tens of thousands of flowers and plants. It is a really beautiful area, I have to say! We particularly enjoyed our stroll through the secret garden, where many different types of birds are flying freely.

parrot mountain secret garden

There is an entire section of the park where you are invited to feed the birds. You can buy a handful of birdseed for just 25 cents! That was the best quarter I spent on the entire trip, friends!
I asked one of the attendants there which of the birds there was the friendliest with children, and he brought out this adorable bird, who is so docile that he will let you hold him like a baby!
I even tried to get Layah in on the bird petting fun, but she was content to just admire them.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens had so much for visitors to take in and enjoy. I thought it made for a very unique experience, and that it was just great for families with kids! Definitely worth taking a detour off the beaten path to see this place!
Have you ever been to either Dixie Stampede or Parrot Mountain and Gardens? And have you ever seen a parrot who would curl up like a baby??? 🙂

12 Amazing Cheesecake Recipes You Will Love (31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes

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In our house, we are obsessed with cheesecake. I would eat it for every meal, every day if I could. It forms such a smooth and creamy base on which to add your favorite flavors. We’ve compiled an ultimate list of some of the best cheesecake recipes out there. They include easy no bake versions as well as more elaborate and decadent recipes. From almond cheesecake to pecan pie, pumpkin spice and, even cheesecakes made with Greek yogurt, these recipes are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

cheesecake recipes


We want to know, do you have a favorite flavor of cheesecake?

Stephanie Keeping is mom to a boy named Sam, a blogger, and an Etsy-preneur. She celebrates boyish charm at Spaceships and Laser Beams, where she talks about all things boy and birthday party. You can connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Simple DIY Formula

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I try to take good care of my makeup brushes, since they play the most significant role in whether or not my makeup looks decent. I have researched how to clean makeup brushes and have found MANY different approaches. One stood out to me as simple, very inexpensive, and highly effective, though, and I’m going to share it with you today!

how to clean makeup brushes DIY

All you need to clean your makeup brushes is some water,  a washcloth or paper towels, 1 Tbsp shampoo and 1 Tbsp olive oil. You are ready to go!

how to clean makeup brushes 2

First, mix your olive oil with your shampoo. I just used the back of one of my makeup brushes to get them mixed together.

how to clean makeup brushes 3

Then, dip your dry makeup brush into the solution. Now it is time to get to work. Use your fingers to gently but firmly massage the mixture down into the brush. That’s where all the makeup is trapped! Don’t move past this stage too quickly. For my large kabuki brush, I spent about 2 solid minutes massaging in the solution to really get all that makeup to come loose.

how to clean makeup brushes 4

Then run your brush under water. I am using a cup of water here because the lighting by my sink is atrocious. But I do recommend running water over a cup of water. But do what ya gotta do!

how to clean makeup brushes 5

One tip: try really hard not to fully submerge the brush in the water. Your brush bristles are glued onto the brush handle, and if that area gets too wet, the glue could come loose. Don’t freak out over this…just be aware and therefore, don’t try to get the handle super wet.

how to clean makeup brushes 6

Blot your brushes dry with your washcloth or paper towel. If you are seeing as much residue coming off as I did in the picture above, then you need to go back in for another cleaning session!

Allow your brushes to dry overnight and they will be ready to go in the morning!

So why the olive oil, you may be wondering? The olive oil does play a role in the cleansing process, but it also conditions your brush bristles to help leave them in even better shape than they were in before! Clean and conditioned…that’s the ideal outcome for any time you clean your brushes. No need to go buy expensive makeup brush cleaner; this works wonderfully!

I hope this helps you learn how to clean your makeup brushes in an affordable and effective way! And if you are looking for some new, affordable makeup brushes, I make mention of my favorite (and crazy cheap!) bamboo concealer brush here.

You might also enjoy:
What’s in my makeup bag?

what-is-in-my-makeup-bag-12

Best Dark Circle Concealor

best dark circle concealor

Gluten-Free Diet? Try These Fall Favorites!

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It’s fall and that means it’s time for some yummy and delicious comfort food and sweet treats. If you’re on a gluten-free diet it doesn’t mean you need to feel deprived! There are tons of great recipes full of warm and appetizing recipes for any occasion. These cozy recipes, with rich fall flavors, are perfect for keeping your gluten-free bellies warm and full this season!

gluten-free diet and gluten-free recipes

  1. Paleo Cranberry & Raisin Bars
  2. Coconut Flour Mini Donuts
  3. Pumpkin Waffles
  4. Pears with Cacao Ganache and Cinnamon
  5. Buffalo Chicken Dip
  6. Bacon-Wrapped Chorizo Jalapeno Lime Poppers
  7. Gluten Free Gingerbread
  8. Gluten-Free Brownies
  9. Keep it simple! Mix up a 3 egg omelette! It can be filled with just cheese and roasted veggies, or whatever tidbits you have around. Packed with tons of protein, it’s a quick & easy fall-friendly gluten-free meal!

Brandy blogs at MommySplurge and reviews subscription boxes and anything else she finds delightful. Don’t forget to check out the list of subscription boxes perfect for gluten-free eaters! She is also brand rep for Bona Clara, a gluten-free line of skincare products.

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

19 of the Best Brunch Recipes Online!

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Brunch, at this particular season of my life, brunch is a particularly awesome luxury. If I get to go out to brunch, it means someone from out of town much be visiting and staying home with my children so that I can go join the ranks of the civilized for an hour or two.

What I love the most about brunch is the leisure of it. There’s no rush to get started. No rush to finish. It isn’t even an official meal time, but rather, somewhere in the middle. And the food is breakfast, only more grown up and sophisticated. Oh, it’s so much fun!

Most of the “brunching” I get to do these days is happening at home, and when we have brunch, it is because we’re hungry by 10 am (understandable if you’ve been awake with your brood since 5 am, which is not exactly abnormal around here).

Whether you get to break out your china or if you have to eat on paper plates so that nothing will get broken (shout out, sisters! I feel you!), I’ve compiled some simply mah-velous brunch ideas. Invite your girlfriends over, and lock your kids in their rooms, relax, and enjoy!

Just kidding. Sort of.

brunch recipes

Mimosas/Stuff Parents Need

Breakfast Casserole/Giving up on Perfect

Easy Lemon Pull Apart Rolls/Six Sisters Stuff

Avocado, Feta, Tomato and a Poached Egg/That’s so Michelle

Cinnamon Fruit Dip/Giving up on Perfect

Monkey Bread/Vanderbilt Wife

Peanut-Apple Crunch Balls/Reynolds Kitchens

Bacon, Ham and Spinach Quiche/Joshua Trent

Banana Bread/Giving up on Perfect

Strawberry Bruschetta/Tim Vidra Eats

Sausage Gravy Cheese Grits/Vanderbilt Wife

Mini Bagel ‘N’ Salmon Delights/Sunkist

Lemon Monkey Bread/Chew out Loud

Easy Brunch Quiche/The Village Cook

Whole Grain Apple Fritters/Texan Erin

Orange Julius/Joshua Trent

Tropical Mango Banana Bourbon Bread/Foxes Love Lemons

Chicken Pocket Pies/Janes Adventures in Dinner

Cake Mix Orange Sweet Rolls/Number-2-Pencil

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

65 Easy Vegetarian Recipes You Must Try!

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My family loves to try vegetarian recipes, especially if they are easy! I have a HUGE collection of great ideas that are all meat-free. These are great to try out because they can help you stretch your food budget (meat is expensive if you haven’t noticed!) and they can also help introduce some yummy veggies and protein sources other than meat in new and exciting ways. Check out the list and see what you’d like to try!

easy vegetarian recipes

  1. Farmer’s Market Slaw with Bok Choy by Stuff Parents Need
  2. How to Cook Beet Greens/ by Stuff Parents Need
  3. Recipes for Black Beans by Vanderbilt Wife
  4. Summer Bow-Tie Pasta Salad by Vanderbilt Wife
  5. Sweet Beet and Heat Salad with Mustardy Vinaigrette by Vanderbilt Wife
  6. Greek Style Pizza by Slap Dash Mom
  7. Baked Falafel with Tahini Garlic Sauce by Supper For a Steal
  8. Penne alla Vodka by Supper For a Steal
  9. Black Bean Chili Stuffed Baked Potato by Supper For a Steal
  10. Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini by Supper for a Steal
  11. Farro Stuffed Eggplants with Pickled Jalapeños & Tahini Yogurt Sauce by What Jew Wanna Eat
  12. Pumpkin Butter and Caramelized Fig Rugelach by What Jew Wanna Eat
  13. Vegetarian Pear-Cranberry Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash by Mom Endeavors
  14. Indian Spiced Slow Cooker Stew by Color Me Pink
  15. Miso Sweet Potato and Broccoli Bowl by Smitten Kitchen
  16. Creamy Wild Rice Cranberry Soup by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  17. Cavatappi Pasta with Tomatoes, Pesto and Mozzarella by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  18. Fall Harvest Vegetarian Corn and Butternut Chowder by A Family Feast
  19. Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar by One Creative Mommy
  20. Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage and Ameretti Cookies by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  21. Tomato Cobbler with Rosemary and Gruyere Biscuits by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  22. Veggie & Tofu Noodle Bowls by Wine & Glue
  23. Penne with Spinach and Rosemary Gorgonzola Cream by Because I Like Chocolate
  24. Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette by Because I Like Chocolate
  25. Buffalo Cauliflower by Persnickety Plates
  26. Lentils with Brown Rice & Veggies by Persnickety Plates
  27. Spinach Unstuffed Shells by Persnickety Plates
  28. Creamy Corn and Pepper Taquitos by Life & Kitchen
  29. Creamy Cauliflower “Alfredo” Sauce by Life & Kitchen
  30. Crispy Tofu Bites by Life & Kitchen
  31. Apple-Quinoa Breakfast Muffins by Ricki Heller
  32. Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Brownies by Ricki Heller
  33. Holiday Nog (Egg-free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free, Soy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan) by Ricki Heller
  34. Beet Burgers by Ricki Heller
  35. Squash, Mustard Greens, and Chick Pea Curry by Farm Fresh Feasts
  36. Pumpkin and Black Bean Pizza on Roasted Pumpkin Dough by Farm Fresh Feasts
  37. Fattoush Dip with Kale Hummus by Farm Fresh Feasts
  38. Sautéed Beet Greens and Spring Onions with Sherry Vinegar by Farm Fresh Feasts
  39. Baked Spaghetti Squash Gratin by The Kitchen is My Playground
  41. Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  42. Two Cheese Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  43. Mexican Black Bean & Quinoa Burgers with Homemade Guacamole for Kids by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  44. Sesame Glazed Cauliflower “Wings” by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  45. Gluten Free Vegetarian Pumpkin Quinoa Bowl by Wonky Wonderful
  46. Veggie “Meatballs” by Diethood
  47. Zucchini Goat Cheese Pizza by Diethood
  48. Baked Eggplant Penne Pasta by Diethood
  49. Saag Paneer (Curried Spinach with Cheese) by Crumb
  50. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna by Crumb
  51. Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry by Crumb
  52. Meatless Mexican Stuffed Peppers by Crumb
  53. Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza by The Pinning Mama
  54. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette by The Pinning Mama
  55. Cinnamon Almond Sauteed Cantaloupe by Thirty-One 10
  56. Spicy Peach and Watermelon Salad over Fresh Tomatoes by Thirty-One 10
  57. Healthy Pumpkin Pie by Thirty-One 10
  58. Black Bean Brownies by Thirty-One 10
  59. Lemon and Garlic Pasta with Squash by JaMonkey
  60. Parmesan Spinach Bites by My Frugal Adventures
  61. Quick & Easy Mexican Black Bean Wrap by My Frugal Adventures
  62. Cauliflower Pizza Crust by Little Red Window
  63. Caramelized Onion & Barley Soup by Little Red Window
  64. Roasted Eggplant Pasta by Little Red Window
  65. Butternut Squash Pasta with Fresh Basil by Little Red Window

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes

Vintage Style from Shabby Apple: Truman Dress

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For several years now I have admired the vintage clothing looks that are offered by Shabby Apple. I even own a few pieces, and they provide very distinct looks in my wardrobe, always having a nod to decades of the past, which I think is fun.

I also find that Shabby Apple garments, in general, tends to have a more modest look to them. They are less revealing, but still full of design details that make the pieces very interesting.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Truman dress, which is in many ways an excellent dress option for the fall and winter. My dress does need to be hemmed to have quite a few inches removed in order to hit me at the right length, so do keep that in mind when checking out the photos!

shabby apple vintage clothing: truman

Based on the reviews online, I went a size up from my normal size for this dress, and I’m glad I did. While it feels a bit large in the sleeves, I feel comfortable in the dress, overall, and like I can use the belt to accentuate my waist, rather than just having tight fabric clinging to my body. That would NOT be a great look for me, personally, but more power to you if you can rock it!

I absolutely love the cowl neck, which is one of my very favorite necklines to wear. This one doesn’t dip down nearly as low as other cowl necks that I own, though, which makes it different.

shabby apple vintage clothing 2

The sleeves hit me a bit lower than I think they should (remember, I’m only 5 foot 1, and I’m sure the model on the Shabby Apple website was something closer to 5 foot 10). And the sleeves, altogether, do leave me a little unsure about the overall look. I’m just not used to wearing sleeves that hit so far down. Basically, there’s a lot of fabric here, and it is such a departure from the normal look for me that I am having trouble discerning if I’m wearing the dress, or if the dress is wearing me, know what I mean?

I did really enjoy pulling out my vintage screwback earrings that I bought at an antique store for my best friend’s wedding 8 years ago. They are from the 1950s, and they add a pop of shine that I think the outfit needs. I also think this is the type of outfit that pairs well with a bold red lipstick. I think a dress that is modest in its nature really helps bring attention up to one’s face, so it is a good time to wear that power color (but just one…don’t go crazy with your lipstick AND your eyeshadow!).

Here are my little models-in-training out with me on the shoot. They are getting very used to heading outside in the morning to “take some pictures for Stuff Parents Need.” They are such cuties, and I often laugh about the impression I give them of what it means to go to work! As my blogging friend Brandy says, “Blogging makes your life weird!” But I adore it and get a lot of joy out of being a “real life, real body” clothing model for you guys!

shabby apple vintage clothing 3

So friends, I’m curious, what do you think about this outfit? Is it interesting to you, or just too much dress? Should I get it hemmed and rock the look this year, or is this a style better left to a different body type (i.e. much taller)?

Want to see more from Shabby Apple? Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook!

Healthy Smoothie Recipes Everyone Will Love!

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Guest poster (and one of my very favorite bloggers) Kayla Aimee spends a lot of time whipping up smoothies for her former 25-week preemie. They are a great way to get some healthy calories into tiny toddlers and picky eaters. If you have any dairy-free smoothie recipes to share, she would certainly love to see them! And when making smoothies, don’t forget the super cute straws, as they definitely make the smoothie experience more fun! 

It’s time to start thinking about some fast and easy snacks to have during this back to school season and the rest of the school year! You want to make sure that your kids are fulfilled and nourished, all while providing them a great tasting snack.

One easy way to do that is by making healthy smoothie recipes! Smoothies can be prepared ahead of time (just freeze the ingredients together) and they can be made very quickly so when your hungry kids get home from school they will have a snack ready for them in just a few minutes.

Here are some of my favorite, healthy, and kid friendly smoothie ideas!

easy smoothie recipes

  1. Strawberry Peach Smoothie via Love Makes Good
  2. Orange Julius Banana Protein Smoothie Shake via Moments With Mandi
  3. 3 Simple Smoothies For Back To School Breakfasts via Kayla Aimee
  4. Strawberry Orange Avocado Smoothie via This and That
  5. Berry Lovin’ Smoothie via Glued To My Crafts
  6. Green Toddler Smoothie via The Grant Life
  7. Kiwi Smoothie Bowl via Stuff Parents Need
  8. Healthy Fruit Smoothies via Measured By The Heart
  9. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie Shake via Glued To My Crafts
  10. Triple Berry Protein Smoothie via Stuff Parents Need
  11. My Favorite Immunity Boost for Smoothies via Stuff Parents Need
  12. Top 5 Meal Replacement Shakes for Busy Mornings via Stuff Parents Need

Want to see the entire 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes series? Just click the banner below to see the full list!

31 days of unforgettable recipes