Family

Every year around this time I dreaded because the children would be out and I knew the whining and complaints of being bored were coming. I have learned to plan for spring break and enjoy my time with my babies. I've decided to comprise a few lists to help you throughout this week. Enjoy your time with your babies (cheesing real big) 

Free things to do

*Check your local library for activities, if your children don't yet have library cards now is the time to get them one.

*Your local malls usually have a play area for the little ones and the older ones can walk around and window shop.

*Plan a camp and movie day indoors with the children you can also utilize your library card to rent movies for free, set up tents in the family room and enjoy.

*It's a great time to visit family and friends and set up play dates.

*Visit your local Parks(weather permitting)

*Visit your local museums, google to see free ones in your area.

*Host arts and crafts day and make cupcakes with the children hands on(children of all ages enjoy this I have found) expect a dirty kitchen things won't fall apart because of it (SMILE)

Economical things to do

*Groupon usually this time a year have some great activities at a discount HERE search option kids activities or family activities.

*Your local dollars shows and see a movie for the family, google local dollar shows to see what your area offers.

*Take advantage of movie perks cards(here are some HERE and HERE))to get rewards for a later date, and go see a matinee which in most areas are half the price of regular show fare.

*Skating is a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy yourself with the kiddos here are some great ways to save below.

Kids skate free is a great program go to this site HERE and check it out

*Bowling is great fun for the whole family here are some great ways to save below.

Kids bowl free is  great program go to the site HERE and check it out

With all this great Info I wish you happy trails and great family memories and no more dreaded spring break. I will be doing a similar post for summer break so stay tuned.

Fashion

Black and white tuxedo shirt
and black and white jogger pants
Outfit details
Black and white joggers similar HERE
Black and White tuxedo shirt my shirt HERE
Black patent leather shoes similar HERE and  HERE



I love this look because it can be a evening or daytime look. The top and pants can both be matched with several wardrobe staples. I love black and white because possibilities are endless with these  pieces.

Healthy Living/Recipe

Chicken salad recipe

2 cans of chicken breast (12.5 oz) or equal amount of cooked chicken

2-4 tbsp of miracle whip (you can substitute with Helmans)to your liking

1 1/2 cups of grapes (purple or green or both)

1 granny smith apple diced

1tsp of celery seeds (you can also add fresh celery)

salt and pepper to taste

(optional) raisins or dried cranberries

Preparation: Combine chicken, miracle whip, celery seeds in a large bowl. Add grapes and apples and salt and pepper to taste.

Pictured above is chicken salad on a whole wheat pita, romaine salad with poppyseed dressing, and multi grain tortilla chips.

Encouragement

Day of Encouragement

 There will be days that you want to give up but please don't make any rash decisions based on a temporary situation. You have the ability to be what God has called you to be. There will always be naysayers but you have got to tap into your destiny and keep it moving. Every day will not be rosy and sunshine but look at everyday as a opportunity to be better. Today I encourage you start the business, write the book, go back to school, read the book, open the restaurant, open that boutique, write the business plan, go to the gym, start eating healthy, return to God whatever it is You've been contemplating go get it!

Fashion/DIY

The Vintage inspired DIY Midi skirt

If You know me you know I love vintage clothing. Because I'm a girlie girl this was a must do DIY. 

I love polka dots in all sizes but whats special about these are they are a bold polka dot on a navy
blue. 

I have had this material in my stash for quite sometime now with this skirt in mind. I self drafted this skirt and love it soooo much I will be making more.

The red cami just brings life to the outfit with a pop of color. As we enter into Spring a cami is a staple piece in any wardrobe in all colors. A cami can add that pop of color under a denim jacket(as shown here) or under a button up top. This is such a versatile wardrobe piece. And the bold pearls ummm every lady needs her pearls lol. I made this double layered bold pearl necklace it was a DIY because I do love pearls. The blue jean jacket a staple piece because of it's versatility.

The red patent leather pump is a statement piece and speaks for itself. This style shoe is also a great staple in a woman's wardrobe. I have them in several colors (Smiles real big)

Outfit details

Skirt(DIY by Me)
Cami (Walmart)
Jean jacket(Walmart)
Red Patent leather pumps(My closet)

Pearls(DIY by Me)

Healthy Living

Preserving and preparing fruits and vegetables
for freezer bag breakfast drinks 

Who hasn't gone produce shopping only to look in the fridge later on in the week to find soggy fruits and vegetables you have to discard. Your intentions were good to have fresh fruits and vegetables for your family only to feel duped and discouraged to buy fresh produce. Well I hope this post will help you with prep and healthy options. This has been a part of my prepare for failure plan, Yes this has been very important prep work for healthy living.

I usually shop for produce once a week and buy a lot of it.

Step1:I use a large bowl and strainer to fill with water and one cup of vinegar   

Step 2: Fill bowl with fruits and vegetables and allow to soak for 10-12 minutes the rinse and strain

Step 3: Store vegetables and fruit intended for freezer in freezer bags and freeze or refrigerate or store those intended to eat during the week. If I buy fruit in bulk I freeze to add to breakfast drink freezer bags

As promised on a previous post this is the time I prepare my freezer bag breakfast drinks. This saves me time and takes the prep and guess work out of my breakfast drinks. This is a part of my plan for failure to keep you on track. Pictured above are my bags and I make 7-10 days worth at a time and freeze. On previous post Breakfast of champions you can see ingredients in bags. Hope this helps you Prepare for a healthy journey.

Fashion/DIY

The Olivia inspired cape

If you don't know by now who Olivia Pope is, well her character on television show Scandal sparked a fashion explosion for capes and the sort. This DIY was inspired by the capes and coats she wears on the show.

I loveeeeee and have always loves capes as long as I can remember so for me this was a must do. Today I am sharing this pattern review with you to inspire your love of fashion and DIY to save you some coins :)

Pattern: It's so easy by Simplicity A1226

Pattern sized used: Medium 

Fabric used: A wool blend lightweight (from my stash)

Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes (beginner friendly)

Did it look like package/envelope when done: Yes

Any modifications/additions to pattern: Yes didn't use a lining opted not to and created a matching cowl neck for versatility in cold to warm weather.

Would I use this pattern again and recommend to others :Yes very easy to make and super versatile can dress up or down. Can be a staple in your coat wardrobe.

In Conclusion: Love the style, simplicity of the pattern and the versatility is great and it can easily go from day to evening with this look.

Fashion

About last night girls night out

#OOTD details

Cami and jeans(forever 21)

Sweater(thrifted)

Boots(old from my closet)

Purse(Isabelle)

Healthy Living

The essentials for at home gym

In a earlier post I talked about the plan for failure, well this is part of that plan. For those who don't exercise at all, workout at the gym or workout outside in nicer weather this is to help you not fail. As a busy mom, wife and other important hats I wear exercise has been essential to my healthy lifestyle. When wearing all the hats we wear you can be 100% sure life will happen rather you give it permission to or not. On days when you can't make it to the gym and things come up you need to always have a back up plan that kills excuses. This starter kit is a great essential to have in your arsenal at home to fit your workout in right at home. 

At home gym(from upper left corner to lower right corner)

5 pound dumbells

3 pound dumbells

10 pound dumbells

discs (http://www.skinnymom.com/2015/01/23/glide-time-25-gliding-disc-moves-to-add-to-your-workout/ shown at this link

Wrist weights 2 pounds

Ankle weights 2.5 pounds(they come with extra weights)

Resistance band

These items can be found inexpensively at Five and below or Walmart which is where I purchased my pieces from. In future post will be sharing some exercise tips let's get moving!

Healthy Living

The exercise journal

A exercise journal is a great way to track progress and a form of accountability. A exercise journal is also a great way of scheduling your workouts. I pair my exercise journal with a monthly calendar(pictured above) and schedule weekly planned workouts. It has helped me stay ahead of the game as far as workouts go. I plan each week and work a different part of the body each workout so I build my journal entry accordingly. I work out 3-4 times a week if there is a 4th day scheduled in it is usually dedicated to cardio or that extra day just in case I missed a earlier workout due to a unforeseen event(plan for failure :) in effect). Below I will share a insert from one of my journal entries. The journal entry I'm sharing is this upcoming weeks workouts.

This has helped me not slack on my exercise. I hope that this will help on your journey.

Healthy Living/Recipe

The breakfast of champions

My morning breakfast consists of a breakfast drink and 1-2 hardboiled eggs. This drink is packed full of energy and tastes great. I drink these before my morning workout and have more than enough energy to push through my workout. So today I'm sharing my what I call breakfast of champions.

Breakfast drink (pictured above)

I use a nutribullet (a blender is fine if that's what you have)18 oz cup

I use a prepared freezer bag(will be sharing prep in later blog) 

Ingredients(pictured above)

 a cup and 1/2 of spinach

strawberries

1/2 a banana

1/2 kiwi

1/2 to 1tsp of cinnamon

about a cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

These are the ingredients I normally use but You can substitute and choose your favorite fruits. I usually prepare 7 days worth of breakfast drinks in advance and freeze(will share vegetable and fruit prep in future post). I use fruits that are on sale for that week. I make sure to use a green vegetable base(examples:spinach, kale, broccoli etc.). I add 1-3 fruits usually what's on sale. I use almond milk you can substitute this as well. And if you need a extra boost you can add flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds(proper portion size) or oatmeal. If you need a sweetener honey and agave nectar are great(in proper portions).

If you have any questions please feels free to ask via email @trenaratreasure@gmail.com or on post.