I haven’t been around these parts much lately. I I haven’t been around these parts much lately. I hope that all of you had an absolutely wonderful, intimate, peaceful, relaxing holiday. 

Not going to lie, working two jobs from home with two kids under 6 in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat, and I’ve really slacked in all other areas of my life. (My work/life balance has never been the best).

I’m hoping that the new year brings me a little more of a routine, motivation, and ability to multi-task and accomplish all of the things I want to accomplish. 

Do you have any big plans for the New Year? Lofty goals? Affirmations you’re taking with you? ✨
THANKSGIVING 2020: The one where we were social di THANKSGIVING 2020: The one where we were social distancing and I still made enough for 10+ people. 

.....my bad. 

#foodblogger #nashvillefoodblogger #buzzfeast #eatmunchies #epicurious #feedfeed #foodaholic #foodbeast #foodblog #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #foodies #foodinspiration #foodlover #foodphotography #foodstagram #foodstyling #forkyeah #huffposttaste #instafood #seriouseats #spoonfeed #beautifulcuisines #bonappetit #eatingfortheinsta #foodbloggerfeed #foodbloggers #thanksgiving #thanksgivingplate
We don’t get out much these days and can get a l We don’t get out much these days and can get a little stir crazy, as I’m sure everyone has been experiencing lately. Jake and I decided to surprise Grayson (and Sawyer but mostly Grayson) with this Drive Thru @jurassicquest experience! Thank Goodness for some socially distant activities, am I right? JQ did an awesome job of creating this and making it feel safe for all who attended. And yes, I made sure to pick up some overpriced souvenirs 😂
We got lunch after and made a day of it...in the car. Hahaha.
Amabisca Kid’s Socially Distant Halloween 2020 h Amabisca Kid’s Socially Distant Halloween 2020 has been a hit! 

We *do* typically spend our Halloween’s at home—so it’s business as usual over here; doing fun stuff like baking and decorating cookies, and watching movies (Monster House and Hocus Pocus have been on heavy rotation this season), and we always get pizza! 

Only thing we’re missing is Jacob. 

Happy Halloween, friends! 

Stay safe, wear your mask, and practice social distancing...for the love of god. 🎃
Showed all the way up. 🔵 Showed all the way up. 🔵
How some Bento Lunchbox action for your Monday aft How some Bento Lunchbox action for your Monday afternoon? 

Grayson has been loving these @seapakshrimpco Shrimp Pals, which are essentially shrimp nuggets...and of course we had to add some of his favorite fruit, and a salad with homemade ranch dressing that I hope he at least ate a little of. Rounding it out with some chocolate animal crackers. 

Let’s be real, not all bento lunches have to be super complicated and unattainable. You know the ones. I put this balanced ass lunch together in 10 minutes (and that is including cook time). 

What is your child’s favorite thing that you pack them for lunch?
•
•
•
#foodblogger #foodie #nashvillefoodblogger #bentobox #bentoboxlunch #kidlunch #kidbento #foodblog #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #foodies #foodlover #foodstagram #fork-yeah #instafood #spoonfeed #bonappetit #foodbloggerfeed #foodbloggers
*GIVEAWAY!* — CLOSED I can’t believe it’s Oc *GIVEAWAY!* — CLOSED
I can’t believe it’s October already! 🎉 🎉

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. 

From the cool weather and cozy clothes, to the warm feel good meals that just hit the spot. (And of course, Halloween!) 

To celebrate, I got together with a few of my favorite foodies to give away $200 to Whole Foods. Grab some yummy groceries for your family on us to be delivered to your door, or peruse the aisles—whatever your heart desires! 

TO ENTER: Like this post, follow the accounts below, and tag your Whole Foods loving friends!

Giveaway ends Friday, October 2 @ 11:59PM. 

Winner will be picked and announced on Saturday, October 3.

*This giveaway isn't sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with Instagram or Whole Foods. Good luck!*

Follow:
@runlifteatrepeatblog 
@brandiamabisca 
@thegentlenursery 
@multiculturalmaven
@theurbenlife 
@manthatlooksgood 
@travellikeaprince
@carefree_mermaid
@courtneyblacher
@momfriendblog
This isn’t my typical “styled” food shot, bu This isn’t my typical “styled” food shot, but this meal needed to be shared because it was so damn delicious! 

Egg Roll in a Bowl (recipe courtesy of @bunsinmyoven) came together so easily, and only required a small handful of ingredients. *(Ground meat of choice-I used pork sausage, a bag of coleslaw mix, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Green onions for garnish)* 

I was able to throw it together, on a night where I was super stressed and trying to get dinner together in a hurry. This went from skillet to table in 10-15 minutes! 

I’ve been meaning to try this recipe for a long time now, and it’s definitely going into the rotation. 

As someone who works late into the evening, easy dinner recipes are CRUCIAL. That’s totally one of the reasons that I started blogging and sharing my recipes, to combine an assortment of delicious quick and easy recipes all in one place. 

•
•
•

#foodblogger #foodie #nashvillefoodblogger #buzzfeast #eatmunchies #epicurious #feedfeed #foodaholic #foodbeast #foodblog #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #foodies #foodinspiration #foodlover #foodphotography #foodstagram #foodstyling #forkyeah #huffposttaste #instafood #seriouseats #spoonfeed #beautifulcuisines #bonappetit #eatingfortheinsta #foodbloggerfeed #foodbloggers
SWIPE TO SEE THE BEFORE ➡️➡️ #ad Using @e SWIPE TO SEE THE BEFORE ➡️➡️

#ad Using @esalon Custom Hair Color definitely darkened my tone, and created a really rich chocolate brown that I’m in love with. 🍫

Not only were my roots graying, but my ends were so dull and flat. 

I’m definitely feeling myself and this new color. 

e-Salon creates a custom, professionally mixed hair color for you...delivered right to your door. 

You totally deserve the best at home hair color, made simple. (Click through the link in my bio to find out more information about grabbing your own custom color). 
@babbleboxxofficial 
#FallForSelfCareBBxx #esalon #haircolor #diyhaircolor
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Lifestyle · July 18, 2017

The Lowdown on my Favorite Essential Oils

Essential Oils are all the rage right now, seriously. If you were to ask a group of women about them, you would get mixed reactions. There’s the women who have never tried them and are curious, those who have tried them and don’t care for them, those who haven’t tried them and will never, and then those who are obsessed. I am the latter. You’re also likely to get a million opinions about why this brand is better than that brand. My criteria for choosing an essential oil came down to three things: Quality, Affordability, and Ease of Purchase. Taking all of those into consideration, I landed on Plant Therapy Essential Oils.

This post does contain affiliate links, find out more about that here.

essential oilsI’ll be honest: there are a lot of companies out there right now who make great quality oils. Plant Therapy just worked for us. Before you decide on an oil, do some research about their processes and how they harvest, test, and bottle their oils! See which one stands out to you.

For me, Plant Therapy has an amazing price point, there’s no sign-up fees or monthly target goals to get a specific price, and they have some amazing and strict quality standards. The ability to order them directly from their website or Amazon without any run around was a huge selling point, and I’ve heard so many great things through social media and friends.

_MG_2053

(The Plant Therapy 14 Essential Oil Set, including 7 Synergy Blends and 7 Singles is a GREAT starter kit, and can be found here.)

If you’re new to essential oils, it’s important to remember that they aren’t the end all be all to every ailment. I’m all about modern medicine, however, if there are ways to find relief in a more natural way–I’m in. I can honestly say that using essential oils has been such a blessing to our family. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re just delving into essential oils for the first time. I’m going to share a few of our favorite oils and how I use them around the house. This is just very basic information, because I am NOT an expert. Be sure to check each oil individually for suggestions and instructions for administering.

Using Essential Oils

There are three main ways to use essential oils.
1. Diffusing Them: Diffusing them is the most common, and easiest way to benefit from your essential oils. There are so many diffusers to choose from, but we use and love this one. I also have this one in the master, because it matches my decor. For larger areas, pick a diffuser that has a large capacity.
2. Applying Topically: When applying topically, I don’t do so without using a carrier oil to dilute. I know that a lot of people do, but we have such sensitive skin so I don’t chance it. Making rollerballs of our favorite blends is so incredibly convenient because we can take them anywhere. (I have a post all about making rollerballs coming soon!)
3. Ingesting Orally: I don’t do this, and I don’t have any suggestions regarding this.

essential oils

Our Favorite Oils and Synergy Blends

1. Lavender – You’ve heard of lavender being a sleep and relaxation aid, right? All of the pillow sprays and relaxing bath soaks are lavender scented. Lavender helps to calm and relax your mind and body, and also promotes a deeper sleep. Since I’ve suffered from insomnia and restless leg syndrome for my entire adult life, this one is a godsend for me. (I also use Tranquil and Relax Synergy Blends on myself regularly). You can put a few drops onto your pillowcase, add some to a hot bath before bed, or rub some onto your temples to help you relax.
2. Lemon – Lemon is my favorite for cleaning. It leaves everything smelling so fresh. Put a few drops down a stinky garbage disposal, mix with water and spray on counter tops for a quick refresher. It’s also energizing! This trick works with Sweet Orange, too. If Lemon ain’t your thing.
3. Germ Fighter / Germ Destroyer (KidSafe) – Germ Fighter and it’s KidSafe counterpart, Germ Destroyer, are supposedly a dupe for Young Living’s Thieves. I’ve had this confirmed by a few ladies who have tried both. I love the smell of this, and I diffuse the KidSafe version throughout the house when anyone is starting to feel sick. It can also be used to clean around the house, and I have an awesome how-to DIY Natural Household Cleaner using Germ Fighter here.
4. Immune Aid / Immune Boom (KidSafe) – This is one of my favorite oils because it promotes a healthy immune system. Diffuse this during cold/flu season and boost your family’s immunities. Combine this with Germ Fighter / Germ Destroyer into a rollerball with some fractioned coconut oil, throw it in your bag, and you have an instant defense for all of the nasty germs floating around.
5. Tea Tree Tea Tree Oil is so widely used and known these days. You find it in everything from your skincare to your shampoo. Put a few drops into your shampoo to stimulate and soothe a dry, flaky scalp. Dot some onto your acne. People often use it topically for cuts, fungus, etc. due to its antimicrobial properties. It can also be used for cleaning, it smells great! (Word on the street is that bugs hate Tea Tree Oil, too, so cleaning with it could help to repel them–giant plus!)
6. Peppermint – *BIG OLD DISCLAIMER: THIS OIL IS NOT SAFE FOR CHILDREN!* Peppermint is great for anyone who suffers from nausea. It’s safe to use while pregnant, if your pregnancy isn’t considered high risk, and can help to curb that nauseous feeling. Diffuse it or carry the bottle around with you and just smell it! I wish I had been into oils when I was pregnant with Grayson, because I was so nauseous all the time. Peppermint can also be used to relieve sore muscles. An easy DIY Muscle Rub : 1/2 C Coconut Oil with 10-15 drops of Peppermint oil. Rub onto the sore area as needed. It provides instant cooling relief.

planttherapykidsafe

(This KidSafe box with 6 Synergy Blends can be found here.)

As I mentioned above, Plant Therapy offers a KidSafe line, and it’s always in heavy rotation at my house. It’s also one of the reasons I was so drawn to this company. If you’re new to Essential Oils, it’s good to remember that not all oils/blends are safe for children, because they are more sensitive to aromas and their immune system isn’t fully developed. As a general rule, I don’t give Grayson any oils orally, never apply oils topically unless I’ve diluted them, and I don’t diffuse any that aren’t deemed “Kid Safe” around shared areas of the house. I’m a safety girl!

‘Sniffle Stopper’, ‘Calming the Child’, and ‘Nighty Night’ are our favorites. You can use them with your children so many different ways. Detox baths are a great way to tie in essential oils, as are roller balls. Our Nighty Night Rollerball is used every night after bath time, and it helps Grayson to fall asleep and stay asleep, which he’s had trouble with.

If you’re curious about Essential Oils and have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Like I said above, I’m not an expert, but I have done a fair amount of research and would love to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

In: Lifestyle · Tagged: essential oils, plant therapy, plant therapy essential oils

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My name is Brandi, I am a 30-something caffeine dependant former Makeup Artist turned Stay at Home Mom to a rambunctious five year old and a sassy toddler...and Self Proclaimed Foodie.
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I haven’t been around these parts much lately. I I haven’t been around these parts much lately. I hope that all of you had an absolutely wonderful, intimate, peaceful, relaxing holiday. 

Not going to lie, working two jobs from home with two kids under 6 in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat, and I’ve really slacked in all other areas of my life. (My work/life balance has never been the best).

I’m hoping that the new year brings me a little more of a routine, motivation, and ability to multi-task and accomplish all of the things I want to accomplish. 

Do you have any big plans for the New Year? Lofty goals? Affirmations you’re taking with you? ✨
THANKSGIVING 2020: The one where we were social di THANKSGIVING 2020: The one where we were social distancing and I still made enough for 10+ people. 

.....my bad. 

#foodblogger #nashvillefoodblogger #buzzfeast #eatmunchies #epicurious #feedfeed #foodaholic #foodbeast #foodblog #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #foodies #foodinspiration #foodlover #foodphotography #foodstagram #foodstyling #forkyeah #huffposttaste #instafood #seriouseats #spoonfeed #beautifulcuisines #bonappetit #eatingfortheinsta #foodbloggerfeed #foodbloggers #thanksgiving #thanksgivingplate
We don’t get out much these days and can get a l We don’t get out much these days and can get a little stir crazy, as I’m sure everyone has been experiencing lately. Jake and I decided to surprise Grayson (and Sawyer but mostly Grayson) with this Drive Thru @jurassicquest experience! Thank Goodness for some socially distant activities, am I right? JQ did an awesome job of creating this and making it feel safe for all who attended. And yes, I made sure to pick up some overpriced souvenirs 😂
We got lunch after and made a day of it...in the car. Hahaha.
Amabisca Kid’s Socially Distant Halloween 2020 h Amabisca Kid’s Socially Distant Halloween 2020 has been a hit! 

We *do* typically spend our Halloween’s at home—so it’s business as usual over here; doing fun stuff like baking and decorating cookies, and watching movies (Monster House and Hocus Pocus have been on heavy rotation this season), and we always get pizza! 

Only thing we’re missing is Jacob. 

Happy Halloween, friends! 

Stay safe, wear your mask, and practice social distancing...for the love of god. 🎃
Showed all the way up. 🔵 Showed all the way up. 🔵
How some Bento Lunchbox action for your Monday aft How some Bento Lunchbox action for your Monday afternoon? 

Grayson has been loving these @seapakshrimpco Shrimp Pals, which are essentially shrimp nuggets...and of course we had to add some of his favorite fruit, and a salad with homemade ranch dressing that I hope he at least ate a little of. Rounding it out with some chocolate animal crackers. 

Let’s be real, not all bento lunches have to be super complicated and unattainable. You know the ones. I put this balanced ass lunch together in 10 minutes (and that is including cook time). 

What is your child’s favorite thing that you pack them for lunch?
•
•
•
#foodblogger #foodie #nashvillefoodblogger #bentobox #bentoboxlunch #kidlunch #kidbento #foodblog #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #foodies #foodlover #foodstagram #fork-yeah #instafood #spoonfeed #bonappetit #foodbloggerfeed #foodbloggers
*GIVEAWAY!* — CLOSED I can’t believe it’s Oc *GIVEAWAY!* — CLOSED
I can’t believe it’s October already! 🎉 🎉

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. 

From the cool weather and cozy clothes, to the warm feel good meals that just hit the spot. (And of course, Halloween!) 

To celebrate, I got together with a few of my favorite foodies to give away $200 to Whole Foods. Grab some yummy groceries for your family on us to be delivered to your door, or peruse the aisles—whatever your heart desires! 

TO ENTER: Like this post, follow the accounts below, and tag your Whole Foods loving friends!

Giveaway ends Friday, October 2 @ 11:59PM. 

Winner will be picked and announced on Saturday, October 3.

*This giveaway isn't sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with Instagram or Whole Foods. Good luck!*

Follow:
@runlifteatrepeatblog 
@brandiamabisca 
@thegentlenursery 
@multiculturalmaven
@theurbenlife 
@manthatlooksgood 
@travellikeaprince
@carefree_mermaid
@courtneyblacher
@momfriendblog
This isn’t my typical “styled” food shot, bu This isn’t my typical “styled” food shot, but this meal needed to be shared because it was so damn delicious! 

Egg Roll in a Bowl (recipe courtesy of @bunsinmyoven) came together so easily, and only required a small handful of ingredients. *(Ground meat of choice-I used pork sausage, a bag of coleslaw mix, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Green onions for garnish)* 

I was able to throw it together, on a night where I was super stressed and trying to get dinner together in a hurry. This went from skillet to table in 10-15 minutes! 

I’ve been meaning to try this recipe for a long time now, and it’s definitely going into the rotation. 

As someone who works late into the evening, easy dinner recipes are CRUCIAL. That’s totally one of the reasons that I started blogging and sharing my recipes, to combine an assortment of delicious quick and easy recipes all in one place. 

•
•
•

#foodblogger #foodie #nashvillefoodblogger #buzzfeast #eatmunchies #epicurious #feedfeed #foodaholic #foodbeast #foodblog #foodbloggersofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #foodies #foodinspiration #foodlover #foodphotography #foodstagram #foodstyling #forkyeah #huffposttaste #instafood #seriouseats #spoonfeed #beautifulcuisines #bonappetit #eatingfortheinsta #foodbloggerfeed #foodbloggers
SWIPE TO SEE THE BEFORE ➡️➡️ #ad Using @e SWIPE TO SEE THE BEFORE ➡️➡️

#ad Using @esalon Custom Hair Color definitely darkened my tone, and created a really rich chocolate brown that I’m in love with. 🍫

Not only were my roots graying, but my ends were so dull and flat. 

I’m definitely feeling myself and this new color. 

e-Salon creates a custom, professionally mixed hair color for you...delivered right to your door. 

You totally deserve the best at home hair color, made simple. (Click through the link in my bio to find out more information about grabbing your own custom color). 
@babbleboxxofficial 
#FallForSelfCareBBxx #esalon #haircolor #diyhaircolor
As we gear up for Fall and being indoors more ofte As we gear up for Fall and being indoors more often, I am sharing some products and practices to give yourself some much needed TLC on the blog this afternoon. 

#ad All of these products from @esalon, @grandecosmetics, @bornbasicbrand, @kerasal, and @authorrobynwilliams make the perfect addition to your self-care routine. 

Click the link in my bio to learn more *and* grab some discount codes! 
@babbleboxxofficial 
#FallForSelfCareBBxx #kerasal #esalon #renaissanceresurrgence

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