Chocolate Cookie Pops

Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash

Leftover Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Sweet Potato “Toasts” Appetizer

The Grocery Shopping Game-Changer: Kroger ClickList

Thank you to Kroger for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Before I tell you all about my experience with Kroger ClickList, I want to make one thing clear: I love grocery shopping. No, really. I do.

The caveat? I love grocery shopping alone. When I have no time restraints. When I can leisurely push my cart, perhaps sipping a coffee, and take my time going down each aisle to see if there’s any new products out I must try. How often does that happen? Oh, never. Enter Kroger ClickList.

Kroger ClickList is an online grocery shopping experience that is a game-changer for busy moms like me. Here’s how it works. You start by choosing the groceries you’d like. At home or at work, you’re doing this on your computer. My favorite feature is the way it saves what you’ve purchased. So after you use ClickList once, if there’s an item you purchase every week, like baby spinach, it’s right there, easy to click away and put in your cart again without searching for it.

What using ClickList is essentially doing is allowing you to break up the process of grocery shopping. You’re virtually putting the items in your cart when it’s convenient for you. It can be late at night after you’ve put the kids to bed, on your lunch break, or when you have a little extra time in your day. You choose the time and location where you’ll pick up your groceries. They give you an hour window so you can have a little flexibility with your schedule.

Picking up your Kroger ClickList order is easy and convenient. When you drive into your Kroger, you’ll see the signs directing you where to go.You’ll see parking spaces outfitted with call buttons. All you need to do is press the call button to let them know you’ve arrived and they bring your groceries right out to you. When you’ve had a long day and the last thing you want to do is deal with people in a grocery store, it feels a bit like magic! My only concern with using ClickList was that I wouldn’t be able to use my reusable grocery bags. When this guy opened my hatchback, however, and saw them waiting there, he asked, “Would you like me to load your groceries into these bags?” Well, yes, sir, I would!! I was ecstatic.

I can think of so many scenarios where using Kroger ClickList would be such a game changer:

–Moms with young children. Bringing infants and toddlers into the grocery store can be so stressful. Not having to get out of the car to collect your groceries? Priceless.

–When mom is sick. I don’t know about your husbands, but mine is grocery store illiterate. I give him a list, and he comes home with half of what was on the list, forgets a few items, and gets the rest just wrong. Instead, if I’m sick,  I’ll just place the order online and let the good people at Kroger make sure I get the right stuff.

–Moms who work long hours. No more grocery store trips at the end of the day when you’re tired and would rather be home with your family. No more fighting the crowds on the weekends. Game. Changed.

–When it’s freezing cold outside. I’m the first to admit, I’m not a cold weather gal. When the snow is flying and the temperatures are low, I’d much rather sit in the warmth of my car and have my groceries delivered to me than brave the elements. (I know, I know. Too cold to get out of the car to get groceries=first world problem. We are totally blessed to have the luxury of grocery stores, let alone this amazing service.)

–When someone is disabled or injured. If you can’t get around easily, this service is perfect. There are people I love in my life who need this service and I’m grateful it’s available to make their life easier.

One thing I really enjoy about grocery shopping in the store is picking out my own produce. I am particular about choosing the pear without a bruise so it lasts longer and making sure my avocados are either almost ripe or not ripe at all depending on when I’m going to use them.

If you have any worries about using Kroger ClickList for these reasons, you can be assured that they are non-issues. The Kroger staff is trained to choose the best produce for you. I’ve been super happy with the produce they’ve chosen for me every time I’ve used ClickList. If you have special requests, like you’d prefer your avocados to be hard, not ripe, there is a place for you to leave notes with each selection.

Sometimes, an item you choose is out of stock when they are fulfilling your order. In such a case, they look for a suitable substitute, and then ask you when you pick up if you’d like that substitute or if you’d rather take it off your order. It’s not any different than when you’re in the grocery store and they are out of an item you’d normally purchase. You either skip it that week or choose something similar. No biggie.

I have loved using Kroger ClickList. It’s freed up some of the time I’d spend in the grocery store, and I can always use more time. You can click here to find the Kroger with ClickList available closest to you.

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Essential Oils Diffuser Recipes for the Holidays

Your house is going to smell amazing naturally this holiday season with these essential oils diffuser recipes for the holidays!Smells play such a vital role in our memories. You can smell a certain scent and instantly be brought back to a different time and place. What happens when I smell Victoria’s Secret Pear Glacé lotion? I’m right back in college, slathering it on before running off to class. My roommate and I (along with alllll the college girls at the time) both wore the VS lotions so our whole room always smelled like whatever variety we were wearing.  Of course I had no idea what I was putting on my skin.

When I started choosing more natural options for both my skin and my home, many of the nice smells I loved had to go. It’s much harder to find products that smell great and are natural. The good news is that there is a way to make your house smell amazing naturally.

Essential oils have powerful smells and when you diffuse them into the air, you can create a lovely -smelling home that not only smells better than the artificial air fresheners, is much better for your health. Artificial air fresheners contain dangerous synthetic ingredients that can cause headaches, lung irritation, and also may have carcinogens. It’s not worth it!

The holidays come with their own category of smells that stir up nostalgia. You don’t have to use holiday-scented candles or artificial air fresheners to bring those scents into your home. Diffusing essential oils is the way to go!

How do you diffuse essential oils? 

The most popular way to diffuse essential oils is with a diffuser. I use two different diffusers from doTERRA, and my parents have this diffuser that they really like.

With these diffusers you simply add water, add the essential oils from diffuser blends recipe you are using, and turn it on. It’s really easy.

If you don’t have a diffuser, you can still diffuse essential oils into the air by boiling water on the stove and adding the essential oils to the pot of water. You do have to keep adding water as it evaporates, but it’s an easy way to diffuse oils if you don’t have an actual diffuser.

You need these essential oils diffuser recipes for the holidays to keep your home smelling wonderful all season long. An added bonus? These essential oils, when inhaled, actually have health benefits. So not only are you creating smell memories that will be cemented into your family’s brains for years to come, but you’re contributing to their health instead of hurting it with artificial scents. That’s a win!

Essential Oils Diffuser Recipes for the Holidays

Every recipe here refers to essential oils. I used mostly essentials oils you can find no matter what brand you use, but a few use blends exclusive to doTERRA, which is the brand I use.

Holiday Spirit

2 drops Frankincense + 5 drops Citrus Bliss + 2 drops Cinnamon Bark

Oh Christmas Tree

3 drops Douglas Fir + 2 drops Cedarwood + 1 drop Juniper Berry

Winter Chai

3 drops Wild Orange + 1 drop Cinnamon Bark + 1 drop Clove + 1 drop Nutmeg + 1 drop Cardamon

Gingerbread 

3 drops Ginger + 2 drops Cinnamon Bark + 2 drops Clove + 1 drop Nutmeg

Log Cabin Blend

1 drop Cassia + 2 drops Cedarwood + 2 drops Wild Orange

Holiday Stress Reliever Blend

2 drops Serenity + 1 drop Frankincense + 2 drops Citrus Bliss  + 1 drop Cedarwood

Winter Wonderland 

4 drops Peppermint + 3 drops Bergamot + 2 drops Cypress

Christmas Candy

3 drops Peppermint + 2 drops Wild Orange + 2 drops Cassia + 3 drops Wintergreen

Healthy Holidays

3 drops On Guard + 2 drops Citrus Bliss + 1 drop Frankincense

Christmas Cheer

3 drops Lime + 3 drops Wild Orange + 2 drops Cinnamon + 2 drops White Fir + 2 drops Cypress +  2 drops Bergamot + 1 drop Eucalyptus

Peppermint Surprise

5 drops Peppermint + 2 drops Ylang Ylang

Christmas Energy

4 drops Peppermint + 4 drops Wild Orange

Cozy by the Fire

2 drops White Fir +  2 drops Cinnamon Bark + 1 drop  Clove + 1 drop Cedarwood

November is the Healthy Home Challenge, so if you haven’t started using essential oils in your home, this is the perfect time. I use and love doTERRA oils. If you’re interested in getting doTERRA oils and wholesale pricing, please email me at thehappyheathymama {at} gmail {dot} com and I will be happy to get you set up.

I hope you enjoy these essential oils diffuser recipes for the holidays. They are going to make your house smell amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

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The last two weeks I’ve shared gift guides for men, moms, and now it’s only natural that I share some gift ideas for grandparents! How about gift ideas for grandparents who have everything? Do you find yourself looking for something unique, yet useful, for the grandparents in your life every year? Does it seem like they already have anything and everything they could possibly ever need? Even worse, do they tell you they don’t need anything?! This list of gift ideas should help!

Gift Ideas for Grandparents Who Have Everything

Links to products are affiliate links. That means if you purchase through these links, I will get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. This supports my blog, so thank you!

Embroidered Kids’ Drawing

Turn your kids’ drawings into a keepsake they can keep forever. How cute is this?! You send a picture of your kid’s artwork and an artist embroiders it for you. I’m sure most grandparents would love to get this from their grandchildren. Click here to purchase the Embroidered Kids’ Drawing on Etsy.  You can also turn your kids’ drawings into tea towels here. 

Our Grandchildren Bird Print

This is a customized print that you can have framed. There is one bird on the branch for each grandchild and the names are displayed below. So special! Click here to purchase Our Grandchildren Bird Print from Etsy. 

AcuRite Weather Environment System

Have you already done every personalized/sentimental type gift out there for the grandparents? Here’s a fun idea. I know the very first thing my mom talks about every time I call her is the weather. If the grandparents in your life are weather junkies, or just love knowing exactly what the weather is doing at all times, this gift is perfect. The display charts indoor and outdoor temperature, wind direction/speed/chill, humidity, rainfall, the weather forecast, heat index, dew point, wind chill, barometric pressure with 12-hour history, time and date. You can check all of this remotely from anywhere on your tablet, phone, or computer.   Click here to purchase the AcuRite weather system from Amazon.

Personalized Planner

What proud grandparent wouldn’t love a personalized planner with their grandbabies’ pictures on it? We actually get my mother-in-law a personalized planner every year. Any grandparent who uses a planner would love this. Click here to purchase this Personalized Planner from Etsy. 

SmartShopper Voice Recognition Grocery List Organizer

This super cool voice recognition grocery list organizer replaces the need for searching for pads of paper and pencils when you need to make a list. It has a magnetic back, so it can stick right to the fridge. Not only will this create a grocery list from voice commands, it also will list errands that need to be run. Definitely a great gift for the grandparents who have everything. Click here to purchase the SmartShopper Voice Recognition Grocery List Organizer from Amazon.

Personalized Long Distance Map Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a long-distance set of grandparents? This is the perfect gift to let them know how connected you are despite the distance! The art connects two maps and is customized based on the given locations. You can also customize the quote to whatever you want. This makes a really special gift. Click here to purchase this Personalized Long Distance Map Art from Etsy.

Garmin vivofit Fitness Band

If you want to encourage the grandparents in your life to stay active, or if they already love to spend their days walking, this fitness tracker is perfect. Staying active will keep them feeling younger longer, so this gift really is thoughtful and practical. Click here to purchase the Garmin vivofit Fitness Band from Amazon.

I hope you are loving the gift guides I’m putting together this year! If you missed the last two, see below for more ideas:

Unique Gift Ideas for Men

Gift Ideas for Mom (She’ll Actually Love)

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Broccoli Salad with Yogurt Dressing

Peppermint Brownies (Vegan and Gluten-free)

Gift Ideas for Moms (That She’ll Actually Love!)

I’m excited to bring you another holiday gift guide–this one for the moms in your life! It was fun to put together this list of gift ideas for moms since I am a mom and most of my friends are moms. I’ve got the inside information on what moms will actually love. There’s something for just about every kind of mom on your list here, so let’s shop!

Gift Ideas for Moms

A Stitch Fix Gift Card

Stitch Fix is an personalized online styling service that sends you a box of five clothing items (or accessories) based on style profile you create. I can say that as a mom, I LOVE online styling services as taking the time to shop for myself just doesn’t happen that often. Plus, it’s really helpful to have a stylist pick clothes that I may never choose for myself, but then end up loving. Do you know a mom who could use a style refresh or just loves clothes? This gift is for her! Click here to purchase a gift card from Stitch Fix. 

Dyson V6 Absolute Cordless Vacuum 

I know. It’s a vacuum. Trust me, she wants it. I have this vacuum and I’m telling you, it’s the best thing ever. I use it multiple times a day. It’s so easy to grab and use because there’s no cord–you can use it all over the house in minutes. It picks up crumbs, large bits of dry food (!!!), dust, hair, EVERYTHING. It has different attachments for wood floors, carpet, and dusting. It turns into a hand-held vacuum that I use to vacuum the crumbs from our untreated wood table after dinner. I can’t say enough good things about this vacuum and can’t imagine a mom who wouldn’t want this in her house. Click here to purchase the Dyson V6 Absolute Cordless Vacuum from Amazon.

iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot

Yes, another vacuum. The women I know who have a Roomba talk about it the way I talk about my cordless Dyson. If I didn’t have the Dyson, I’d ask for this on my Christmas list. A robot that does my vacuum cleaning? Sounds like heaven! You can’t go wrong getting this for any mom. Click here to purchase the Roomba from Amazon. 

A Pretty Frame with a Picture She Loves

While most moms would love to get something that makes their lives easier, like the vacuums above, personal gifts are always appreciated. So many times mom is the one behind the camera. I know I would love it if someone took a picture of me with my kids and framed it as a gift. I love this pretty frame from Target. Click here to purchase this Ivory Ceramic with Bronze Accents Frame from Target. 

A Fabletics Gift Card

Do you know a mom who loves to workout? Or, let’s face it, a mom who just loves wearing comfy athletic wear? This is the perfect gift! Fabletics is Kate Hudson’s athletic wear company. I get almost all of my workout gear from Fabletics because it’s cute, durable, AND so much less expensive than other brands like Athleta or lululemon. (I like those brands, too, but can never buy as much because of the prices!) I am a member, which means I get personalized outfit ideas emailed to me each month, and I can choose to buy one of them or skip the month. (The outfit shown above was one that was on my list this month. I love it!) Most outfits consist of 2-3 pieces and cost about the same as one piece from other companies. Very affordable and the clothes last.  Click here to purchase a Fabletics gift card. 

Custom Beach Bracelet

Would a gift ideas for moms list be complete without at least one piece of jewelry? This is for the mom who has a favorite beach where she loves to travel! Capture those special memories with this custom beach bracelet, made with the sand from her favorite beach. How cool is that?! There are over 1,800 beaches all over the world to choose from. Click here to purchase the Custom Beach Bracelet from Uncommon Goods. 

Personalized Bamboo and Slate Wine Tasting Flight

This is the perfect gift for the mom who loves wine and loves to entertain. You can have it personalized with her initial for a special touch. Click here to purchase this Personalized Bamboo and Slate Wine Tasting Flight from Target. 

Initialed Canvas Tote

Moms always have something they need to carry, and this tote is perfect to do it stylishly! Personalized gifts are always thoughtful, so this tote is a great gift for any mom. I also think it’d make a great hostess gift.  Click here to pick the personalized tote from Amazon. 

Car Trunk Organizer

This is the type of thing that I know I need, but never want to spend the money buying. So I’d love to get it for a gift! Most moms need all the help they can get keeping their kids’ things organized in the car, and this is the perfect way to do it! I love all that space and the compartments. Click here to purchase the Car Trunk Organizer on Amazon.

Essential Oil Diffuser

I actually got this exact diffuser for my own mom for her birthday last year and both her and my dad love it. We have multiple diffusers at our home and they are great for making your house smell wonderful, uplifting or calming your mood, purifying the air,  and even helping when your family is sick. Click here to purchase the Essential Oil Diffuser from Amazon.

I hope this list of gift ideas for moms is helpful! If YOU’RE the mom, help someone in your life out and share it with them.

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Healthy 4-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

The 3 Essential Nontoxic Cookware Pieces for A Safe and Healthy Kitchen

When it comes to healthy cooking, what you cook your food on is as important as the food you’re eating. If you’re cooking healthy foods, but the cookware you’re using leeches harmful chemicals into the food, you could be partially negating the positive effects of the food.

The good news is that nontoxic cookware that’s safe and healthy can last you forever. Most pieces, if properly maintained, can even be passed down through the generations. Purchasing nontoxic cookware is a great investment in your health and is also smart financially.

Today I want to share with you the  three basic pieces I’d choose if I was building my cookware collection from scratch. These are the three pieces I would get if I could only have three pieces in my kitchen. Just about every cooking task you need to get done in the kitchen can be done if you have these three nontoxic cookware pieces. 

The 3 Essential Nontoxic Cookware Pieces for a Safe and Healthy Kitchen

Lodge Cast Iron 12″ Skillet

This pan can replace your nonstick pans that are coated with a synthetic polymer known as PTFE. This coating breaks apart over high heat and emits toxic fumes. {Side note: if you must cook with nonstick cookware that you already have, please make sure you do so at lower temperatures to avoid overheating and allowing the PTFE to break down.} Cast iron is known as the natural nonstick option and the more you cook with it, the more “seasoned” it becomes, and the more nonstick it becomes. No, it isn’t exactly like the synthetic nonstick, but it’s a more natural option that is safe and healthy. Cast iron pans can also easily go from stovetop to oven and are known to heat very evenly.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan 

When I was getting married and looking to register for some cookware, I was lost. I turned to my dad, who owned a restaurant and loves to cook. He suggested stainless steel for its safety and longevity. I went with All-Clad and have been extremely happy with my pots and pans. I use my saucepan pretty much daily. It’s a staple that every kitchen needs.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

 

You guys have probably seen pictures of my yellow Dutch oven in many posts. I love this piece and use it all the time. It’s huge and very heavy! I use it for soups and stews, one-pot dinners, beans, roasting whole chickens, risotto, and more. You can even use this to bake bread!

So these are the three pieces I think are essential to have and all are nontoxic, safe, and healthy. Sure, I have a lot more than this (I love to cook!), but if I had to strip it down, these are the pieces I’d keep.

Cookware to Avoid

This is all well and good, but what if you aren’t sure if what you already have is safe? There are two main types of cookware I recommend avoiding. The first I already mentioned, which is nonstick cookware that is coated with Teflon. The second material I recommend avoiding is aluminum. Aluminum is cheap, but it’s also a known neurotoxin, so avoiding it as much as possible is advisable.

Remember, these nontoxic cookware pieces are not only safe and healthy, they are also investment pieces that will last forever if you take care of them. Buy purchasing nontoxic cookware, you’re making the best choice for your family and the environment.

November is the Healthy Home Challenge and I’m bringing you as many ideas as I can to help you detox your home. Check out this post for more ideas!

What’s your favorite nontoxic cookware piece? Let me know in the comments!

Please note that links to products are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Happy Healthy Mama!

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Hot Mulled Apple Cider in the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker

Do you need Christmas gift ideas? The Christmas countdown is ON and I’m determined to get my shopping done early (ish) this year. As I’m doing my research, I want to share with you some gift guides to help you find gifts your friends and family will actually LOVE. Let me do the work for you. This week I’m starting with unique gift ideas for men!

Do you have a man in your life who has everything? How about a guy who you feel like you’ve already given every gift idea out there? This gift guide is for you!

Unique Gift Ideas for Men

Ticket Stub Diary

Whether your guys attends all the big games or enjoys movies, concerts, or shows, this is a great way to preserve those memories! Click here to purchase the Ticket Stub Diary from Uncommon Goods.

Personalized Whiskey Barrel

Do you have a man in your life who is a whiskey lover? How cool are these personalized whiskey barrels?! They make a unique gift and are cool decorations, as well. Click here to purchase a Personalized Whiskey Barrel from Uncommon Goods.

Wooden Docking Station

I love how this docking station has a place for a phone (it fits both iPhone or Android), watch, keys, and a wallet. What a great way to have a “home” for all of a guy’s items! Shown is a grey color, but it comes in different wood stains as well. Click here to purchase the Wooden Docking Station from Amazon.

Football Stadium Art

I got this one for my husband, Tim, and it’s so cool. The 3D details on the stadium are incredible! It’s going to be perfect for his office, but would also be great if your guy has a “man cave” or if your basement is sports-themed. Tim is a Patriots fan, but there are a number of different teams available. Click here to purchase Football Stadium Art from Uncommon Goods.

Constitution of the United States Glass

In the year of a presidential election, this is a great gift. I can think of a few men in my life who would love this. Click here to purchase the Constitution of the United States from Uncommon Goods. 

Copper Mug Set

You can’t enjoy a good Moscow Mule without a copper mug. This set is 100% handcrafted copper and will make any Moscow Mule lover smile. Click here to purchase the Moscow Mule Copper Mug Set from Amazon.

Wobble Chess Set

This might be my favorite gift on this list. If you have a chess guy in your life, this is a great splurge gift! I think I would even enjoy playing a game of chess with these fun wobble pieces. Click here to purchase the Wobble Chess Set from Uncommon Goods.

Dad’s Playbook

I love this! What a fun and inexpensive gift for dads. This is a great gift for dads who love sports and appreciate the coaching greats. Click here to purchase Dad’s Playbook from Uncommon Goods. 

Old School Shaving Kit

My husband, Tim, got an old school shaving kit a few years ago and absolutely loves it! This makes a great gift for the guy who has everything and loves pampering himself. Click here to purchase the Old School Shaving Kit from Uncommon Goods. 

Wave Money Clip

You can’t go wrong with a good money clip, and this one is unique and cool. Any guy would love this one! Click here to purchase the Wave Money Clip from Uncommon Goods. 

Personalized Rustic Craft Beer Carrier

Have beer, will travel. How cool is this personalized craft beer carrier?! This is perfect for any time you might bring beer with you, from tailgating to camping to walking over to a neighbors’ backyard. Get this for the guy who loves beer! Click here to purchase the Personalized Rustic Craft Beer Carrier from Amazon.

Meditation Box

Do you know a guy who has a lot of stress in his life? This is for the man who needs some time to relax, meditate, and needs some calm in his life. This is a unique gift and perfect for the right guy. Click here to purchase the Meditation Box from Uncommon Goods. 

“Keep Going” Paperweight

The holidays come, even when times are bad. If you know a guy who’s going through a tough time, this “Keep Going” paperweight is an appropriate and thoughtful gift . Click here to purchase the “Keeping Going” Paperweight from Uncommon Goods. 

Yeti Cooler

Yeti coolers are the best coolers money can buy! This thing will keep your stuff cold for days. This is perfect for the guy who road trips, works outside, camps, or is active outdoors. Click here to purchase the Yeti Cooler from Amazon.

Lake Topography Art

This hand-assembled, topographical map shows the contours and 3D details of your favorite lake. There is a 77 page list of lakes to choose from! This is for the man in your life who loves the water, has a lake house, or is a boater. Click here to purchase the Lake Topography Art from Uncommon Goods.

As you can tell, I love Uncommon Goods for unique gift ideas in all price ranges. I can’t even count the number of gifts I’ve purchased from them over the years. Click here to check out all of their unique gift ideas for men.

I hope you find something in this Unique Gift Ideas for Men list to get for the special guys in your life. More gift guides will be coming your way each week leading up to Christmas! I hope you find them helpful.

Uncommon Goods is a sponsor of this post. All opinions are my own. Links to Amazon products are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Happy Healthy Mama! XOXO

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