s a working mom of two toddlers, there have been plenty of days in the past I found myself barely surviving. Hands down those days were more than those I could say I was on my “A game”.  I would start my day with a jolt, praying to get showered before my children awoke.  After throwing myself together, I would run out the door in a suit, wet hair, a child on one side and another on my hip, both in their footed pajamas. The drop off would initiate the start of my hour and a half commute and pumping milk in my car. My entire day would be in “GO mode” so I could return on time, pick them up and start their bedtime routine.  By the end of my day I could not fathom even doing the smallest chore let alone start on a new endeavor.

know what you all are thinking… it has only turned Spring! This mommy is a planner and you know I am going to make the most of every free minute I have with my family.  Therefore I have already organized all of my summer essentials so I can just grab them and go when that hot sunny day arrives!  Truth be told, when I first starting researching products for Amani, now two and a half, I had no idea what I was doing.  I overbought on several items, buying a ton of “cute” floats, hats, and bathing suits which were not practical and did not serve any purpose when it came down to it. The unicorn float was adorable on the ground.  Once we got “him” in the water, baby positioned, he was very unstable and his pointy head was right there in Amani’s face.  She was barely able to enjoy the water.  Needless to say he did not make the cut – not even for a picture since that would require letting go with one hand! Let’s not forget about the floats where your baby can sink down, slump over or slip right through the bottom… every parent’s nightmare!  Since then, I have wised up and narrowed down my essentials checklist dramatically.  Also, you can find many items at the thrift store including: bathing suits, sand toys (often new), puddle jumpers, terry robes, towels and blankets, and more.

wo packs of chicken for $14 can go an awfully long way! On a cold rainy Sunday, I cooked up a delicious, cheesy chicken casserole and some hot chicken soup. I also added my chicken to some quick zucchini noodles and used my remaining chicken to make two pounds of chicken salad!  You can not go wrong with these recipes. Everyone loves them and I assure you there will be no leftovers.  Enjoy!

Download the Recipes Here:

Rainy Day Chicken Soup

Healthy Chicken Casserole