The Benefits of Almond Milk

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A few years ago, I stopped drinking dairy milk and started using milk alternatives in my drinks, my cereal, and smoothies.   My stomach would become upset and Emma's digestion hasn't been normal since she had a G-Tube (feeding tube) put in and removed.  I still cook with regular milk and creams but for drinking? Gimme something without the dairy.   I tried soy milk and I didn't like the taste.  I tried a few different kinds of milk alternatives like Almond, Oat, Rice, and Hemp and I found I liked almond better but some of the brands were hit or miss.  A year ago, I tried Silk Almondmilk and have been sold since.  I just liked the overall smoothness, the richer texture and taste better than the other brands I tried previously.  Also- there are some benefits of almond milk such as more calcium than dairy and higher protein.  

It's Monday! What Are You Hoarding? Oh Wait... Reading.

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly link up hosted by the wonderful Sheila at Book Journey.  Each week, we share what we read and what we are reading! I totally think you should join in on the fun!

So.  I feel like I should title this "It's Monday! What Are You Hoarding?" because I am going to make a confession and I know that other serious book lovers like myself will feel my pain.  The other day, I was editing a post I was working on and out of NOWHERE an overwhelming compulsion to read the Earth's Children (Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear) series again.  Like OVERWHELMING.  

Recipe: Ginger Garlic Chicken

I love Asian food.  Whether it is Indian, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc. etc. etc- I love it all.  I hate that I have an allergy to fish and shellfish.   I rarely get to eat at any of the restaurants due to the use of fish/shellfish products in a lot of the seasonings.  I can definitely eat at a vegan Asian restaurant and that is always good! Since my allergy is so severe- I've been learning to make more of the dishes at home.  The flavor trifecta is ginger, garlic and onion and they are a trio made to be together for ever.  It's like a love triangle without the drama.  Needless to say- the trifecta is key to the flavors in this super, easy stir fry!

Stay Fresh Naturally With Tom's of Maine

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Have I told you how hot it is in Phoenix? The oppressive heat? Dry heat doesn't matter - trust me.  I've lived in dry and high humid places and misery is misery.  It's like walking into an incinerator when the summer is at its peak.  Yuck.  Needless to say- a good deodorant is a MUST.  I have been seeking good quality natural personal care products for myself and my ten (almost 11! Ermagherd!) year old daughter.  I have been looking for ways to clean up my mind, body and spirit from all the junk and Tom's of Maine products have always been good to me and I figured we should give their 24 hour Long-Lasting UNSCENTED deodorant a try.

On the Go Snack for Work and Play!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are my own. #BarNutrition #CollectiveBias

I will be honest with you- I am a poor planner. I was never the mom who had a well organized baby bag. I was the one who forgot EVERYTHING! Bad me! I am better now but not a whole lot better. Ha. I am busy and so is my daughter. On the weekends, she has a lot of activities and we end up popping through a drive-thru for a quick bite. At work, my afternoon snacks consists of me RAIDING my coworkers snack drawer and eating some mini candy bars. Let's not kid ourselves, I eat way more than one. These are both really, really bad habits. I am trying to make better choices for my daughter and I that will not only bring our weight down to a healthy one but just better overall eating choices. I have been looking for a nutritious on the go snack that not only satisfies our appetite but provides us with some kind of nutrition until we can sit down and actually eat. NO MORE DRIVE THRUS! 

Why books will always be my best friend... #ConfessionsOfABookNerd

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My friend Ryan at Wordsmithonia wrote about why and how he reads and it really made me think about why I am such a reader and why I consider books to be my best friends.

I have written about my mom and how her love of reading introduced me to reading.

However, there are some things I didn't really expand upon.  This blog post will bear a lot of personal bits of my life that are really hard.

What I am... reading

I am pretty sure I am an odd duck.  I have decided to re-read the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.  I started it up again a few months ago and then decided since I didn't have at least the first three books on my shelves, I needed to scrap it until I do.

Does anybody else do that?  I guess on a subconscious level I think I am going to read them in rapid succession but that rarely ever works out that way.  It must be part of the hoarder in me.

ModCloth Plus Collection Anniversary!

**The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

Did you know that ModCloth has clothing for plus size women? Isn't that awesome? ModCloth has always had the most amazing clothes but until recently, none were available in plus sizes.  This week, ModCloth has hit a milestone- it's their one year anniversary of the Plus Collection!

In just one year, they’ve expanded their product catalog with more items that fit all body types. Check out the full-range fashion page in their Style Gallery, which showcases community-uploaded photos featuringModCloth items that are available in a full size range. 

Why? Because fashion should be for all!

Seriously girls... they have some AMAZING pieces.  

Gift Ideas For Grads at Best Buy #GreatestGrad

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

There is nothing more exciting than the graduation of a loved one- it's a huge step in their lives.  Some may stay home and go to college or they may move into a dorm.  I am a huge proponent of moving out and learning responsibility and independence.  It's an exciting time, so why not help them along with this new and exciting journey in life? 

#Netflix Bingewatching- it's a blessing and a curse.

 Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook already know that I have a bit of an obsession with Orange is the New Black.

I don't need a man...

Source: Unsplash via Robin Benad

When I was younger, I used to allow my ego to take control and become very offended by things people say.  Now, it doesn't affect me as much as it used to but from time to time it does.  There are a few things that people do say that really get under my skin.  For some reason, people seem to think I need their help, advice or other things along those lines.  I have NO clue why but it has really, really been pissing me off.  I am NOT helpless, I am NOT uneducated, and I am NOT in need of anybody's input.   Typically- I will ignore their input and carry on or I will respond with something extremely sarcastic and passive-aggressive. I definitely don't need a man.

The other day a well meaning person asked me why I am not married.  I responded with "Why should I be married?".  This person said "You're a single mom.  You NEED a man!".

Easy Cooking Recipe: Indian Butter Chicken

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

I am absolutely, positively, without a doubt addicted to Indian food.  The flavors and aroma are so complex and I just can't get enough.  One of my favorite dishes is Butter Chicken (or also known as Chicken Makhani) and I have really been craving it lately.  Restaurants typically make it with tandoori chicken and in a flavorful tomato cream sauce.  It's amazing.  I don't have a tandoor to make the tandoori chicken but I do have Hunt's, the best canned tomatoes, and lots of fantastic seasonings in my cupboard.  I have been searching online for a good recipe and I took the commonality of the recipe (tomatoes and cream sauce) and added my own twist to the chicken.   I always use Hunt's tomatoes because it's a brand I can trust and I always know that I will get a great quality tomato product and they use a unique flashsteam peeling method (you can learn more about it here) which means they only use water to steam (vs lye that some other companies) to peel their 100% California tomatoes.  They are 100% natural without any preservatives.  I am good with that and of course, Walmart has an enormous selection of Hunt's tomatoes!

Just What's Up...

Post by Orange Is the New Black.

The first official week of summer is over and Monday begins the new week.

I have a lot of anxiety over summer vacations due to the difficulty of finding stable care for Emma so I can work.  Our regular caregiver advised me that she would not be available and believe me, I understood.  She has other clients and one in particular was not flexible in when they needed somebody and he needed her way more than we did for health reasons.  So, I decided I didn't want to go through the process of having to find a new person, train them and hope for the best. LOL.  It's just way too stressful.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Blu-Ray Release

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Have I ever told you how much I love Tuesdays? No? I do and it is because that is the day that DVDs and Blu-Rays are sold in the stores. I am super excited for THIS Tuesday (June 10th) because that is when Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is released to own.

Synopsis via Walmart:

"Jack Ryan": "An action hero is reborn!" (Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood) raves top critics about the "intense, exciting" (Bill Bregoli, CBS Radio News) origin story of Tom Clancy's iconic hero Jack Ryan. The thrills are non-stop as CIA recruit Ryan (Chris Pine) is caught in a dangerous web of intrigue and espionage spun between a shadowy government agent (Academy Award(R)-Winner Kevin Costner), his unsuspecting fiancee (Keira Knightly) and a fearless Russian power broker (Kenneth Branagh). Jack must quickly evolve from soldier to analyst to full-fledged operative to stop a devastating terrorist plot against the United States. The stakes have never been higher in this "taut, tense and terrific" thrill ride."

Happy Birthday, Mom & Nephew

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Yesterday was my mother's and my nephew's birthday.

I can't believe she has been gone for eight years now.

I can't believe my first nephew is officially 25. Wait.  No. BAD AUNT! BAD AUNT! He's 26! LOL

Where does time go? It flies so fast, it's crazy!

Yesterday, at work, my coworker and I were talking about country music and how good looking Blake Shelton is.  I had a good giggle because I recalled how much my mom lusted after Billy Ray Cyrus when he was a big deal.  My nephew was born on my mom's birthday and she was so tickled for her first grandson to be born on her birthday.  She would be so proud to see what a good man he is and a wonderful father he is to his daughters.

My mother in 1963 with her my oldest sibling, my sister T.

This little guy is now 25 26!  I am so bummed that we live so many miles apart but Facebook keeps us connected.  He is such a hoot and his daughters and wife are so awesome.  I miss them all! Pooh.  I miss all my family!

How cute are they? 

Just some thoughts on life from the amazing Thich Nhat Hanh.

Have an awesome day!

Adding Healthy Habits To Your Daily Routine

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Did you know that May was Women's Health month?  I know many of us tend to neglect our own health due to putting the needs of others ahead of our own.  Ever since Emma was injured- my health has suffered greatly.  Stress, anxiety, worry, and just not taking care of myself like I should.  It's a shame.  I have had a few health scares that have really reminded me of my mortality but not just mortality but the fact I am exhausted.  Our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health are so interconnected.  Neglect one and the other suffers.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? + Phoenix Changing Hands Book Store

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly link up hosted by the wonderful Sheila at Book Journey.  Each week, we share what we read and what we are reading! I totally think you should join in on the fun!