Easy Weeknight Meals for Back to School

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As the summer winds down and the new school year approaches, families everywhere are looking for quick and easy meal ideas to get through busy weeknights. Here are a few recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters:

One-Pot Pasta

This dish is a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables. Simply cook your pasta according to the package directions, then add your favorite vegetables, protein, and sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is heated through. My kids love Chicken Alfredo! When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make the alfredo from scratch and it’s delicious! 

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This is a simple and healthy meal that can be made with any type of chicken and vegetables. Simply toss your chicken and vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Simple, easy, and delicious; prep your meat the night before for extra tenderness. I love using Dale’s Original Steak Seasoning Marinade. 

*Enjoy my favorite Chicken, Broccoli, and Bacon Meal.

Slow Cooker Chili

This classic comfort food is perfect for a busy weeknight. Combine your favorite chili ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

Tuna Melts

This is a quick and easy meal that can be made with canned tuna. Simply mix together tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onion, then spread on bread and top with cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

You can always exchange your meat for chicken or steak.

Quesadillas

This is a fun and easy meal that can be made with any type of filling. Simply fill a tortilla with your favorite fillings, such as cheese, beans, meat, and vegetables, then fold in half and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.

These are just a few ideas for easy weeknight meals that are perfect for back to school. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. 

Feel free to share your favorites in the comments! 


Women's Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

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I feel confident that I can speak for a large portion of women; we are tired! Most women are simply burnt out! And some are simply afraid to talk about it, but it’s time to break the silence. Women's mental health is a complex and often overlooked issue. Despite the fact that women are more likely to experience mental health problems than men, they are less likely to seek help. This is due to a number of factors, including stigma, lack of awareness, and access to care.

One of the biggest barriers to women seeking help for mental health problems is stigma. Stigma is the negative attitudes and beliefs that people have about mental illness. It can lead to shame, isolation, and discrimination.

Coming from a strong and religious family, it was frowned upon to need help outside of the church. I found myself in and out of therapy numerous times because I was afraid that I would be viewed differently. It wasn’t until I made the decision for myself to heal and grow that things began to click for me. 

Another barrier to women seeking help is lack of awareness. Many women are simply not aware of the symptoms of mental health problems or how to get help. This is especially true for women from marginalized communities, who may not have access to the same information and resources as others. Depression and other mental health disorders may look different. There isn't one size fits all.

Even when women are aware of the symptoms of mental health problems and want to get help, they may face barriers to care. These barriers can include cost, lack of insurance, and transportation issues.

Therapy and medication cost! I have personally experienced the burden and benefits that therapy can bring. Even with insurance, it's a bill that some simply can’t afford.

The first step to improving women's mental health is to break the stigma! We need to educate ourselves and others about mental illness and its impact on women. We also need to challenge the negative attitudes and beliefs that surround mental health. Times are different, we shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. It doesn’t make us bad people if we’re not feeling well mentally.

Finally, we need to improve access to care for women with mental health problems. This means making sure that women have access to affordable, quality mental health care. It also means addressing the transportation and other barriers that women face when trying to get help. For people that don’t live in a major city, it could take them at least 30 minutes to get to a healthcare provider and if they don’t have a means of transportation, that makes it even harder. 

As women, the expectations of us are so high leading to stress. We want to work, be a good mother, wife, or partner, and it feels impossible. Did you hear the iconic Barbie movie speech? If not, you gotta watch it. It's real and hard to show up just as we are without the fear of judgment. 

Women's mental health is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. By breaking the stigma, raising awareness, and improving access to care, we can help women get the help they need to live happy, healthy lives.



The Flyer Via: An Electric Bike That Was Made For Families

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The Flyer™ Via™ is new to Radio Flyer electric bike lineup and it feels like an upgrade from the Flyer M880. It’s your family’s everyday e-bike, here to help your short commutes easier and more effectively.  This Class 2 eBike features a powerful electric motor that can help you reach speeds of up to 20 mph, a long-range battery that can last for up to 40 miles on a single charge, and a comfortable, upright riding position. Every Via™ eBike comes equipped with our Kid & Cargo Carrier Hoop, making it perfect for taking your kiddos for a ride or storing groceries. 

flyer m880

Benefits of eBikes

There are many benefits to commuting by electric bike, including:

  • Reduced costs: Electric bikes can save you  money on gas, and parking.

  • Improved health: Electric bikes provide a great way to get exercise and improve your cardiovascular health. You have the option to turn off the motor and choose your pedal speed.

  • Reduced emissions: Electric bikes don't produce any tailpipe emissions, so they're better for the environment.

  • Convenience: Electric bikes are easy to ride (if you know how to ride a bike) and can be used for a variety of purposes, including commuting, running errands, and exploring your city. There is a slight learning curve as these bikes are heavier than your traditional bikes.

Features that I love

While I enjoy the Flyer M880, there are a few things that the  Via™ just got a few things right and is made for the way I live. It’s perfect for those that come with carry cargo and even comes in a Pro version.

  • Powerful electric motor: The Via™ has a 500 watt electric motor that can help you reach speeds of up to 20 mph, making it easy to keep up with traffic.

  • Safety Features: The 5 level pedal assist will help create a smooth ride. LED Display with taillights and turn signals.

  • Comfortable riding position: A comfortable yet ergonomical design helps getting on to the bike easy. Dual Sided kickstand for loading items or children and a natural seating position that makes getting on a breeze. The step bar is also an added touch that allows your passengers to place their feet comfortably.

  • Easy to use: The thumb throttle makes it easy to start pedaling and setting a comfortable speed. Safe for riders ages 16+

  • Storage and Cargo: Carry up to 2 children (ages 5-10) on the back with a total weight load of 400lbs. Adding the Kid & Cargo Carrier XL Hauler allows you to do a bit of both!

If you're looking for a way to ditch your car more, enjoy being outdoors, and be sustainable, the Flyer Via is the perfect choice, especially with the right accessories. It's a powerful, efficient, and comfortable electric bike made with families in mind. I would even recommend this bike to people who live in walkable cities; it’s a great way to avoid using a car or constantly needing to take public transportation; with all of the added accessories, you can make it best for you. 

Accessories:

Work from Home Essentials from Amazon

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I am a part of the Amazon Influencer program, if you make a purchase through my links, I may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases. 


In the last 5 years, we all learned a thing or two about working from home, and you either love it or hate it. I enjoy it, but I know that others may not, and the best way to get comfortable with working from home is to create a space that you LOVE. If you're looking to make your WFH setup more comfortable and productive, here are a few essentials from Amazon that I highly recommend:

1. A comfortable chair

You're going to be spending a lot of time sitting in your chair, so it's important to find one that's comfortable and supportive. As a person who suffers from spinal issues, it’s important that I have a firm yet flexible chair. I recommend the SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair, but there are plenty of other great options available, such as the Sweetcrispy Office Computer Desk Chair and Dripex Ergonomic Office Chair, High Back Desk Chair.

2. A good desk

Your desk is another important piece of furniture for your work from home setup. It should be the right height and size for you, and it should have plenty of space for your computer, monitor, and other essentials. The Flexispot desk comes highly recommended; it’s a standing desk with customizable options., but there are plenty of other great options available.

Some prefer a standing desk compared to a traditional one, while others aren’t ready to commit and want a converter option. I use both and enjoy my converter option when working from the office. I have the VERSADESK® PowerRiser 40 Inch Electric Standing Desk Converter for Dual Monitor, Ameriwood Home Owen Retro Computer Desk for a simple setup with the computer only, and my current home setup uses a Marble L-shape desk.


3. A noise-canceling headset

If you live in a noisy environment, a noise-canceling headset is a must-have. It will help you block out distractions and focus on your work. I recommend the Bose QuietComfort  Headphones or the Microsoft LifeChat 3000 for occasional use and meetings.


4. A webcam

If you video conference with colleagues or clients, a webcam is essential. I recommend the Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam. It’s plug and play with options to customize. 


5. A good lighting setup

Good lighting is important for both your productivity and your eye health. I recommend the Elgato Key Light Air, Logitech Litra Beam Premium LED Streaming Key Light or Quntis Computer Lamp but there are plenty of other great options available to fit your needs.


7. A cable management system

A cable management system will help you keep your cables organized and out of the way. I recommend this under the desk box system, that doesn’t require drilling and fits to your desk; it’s simple and effective. However, if you need something more advanced, you should consider the N NOROCME Cord Management Organizer Kit in addition to the box system. 

8. A surge protector

A surge protector will help protect your expensive electronics from damage caused by power surges. I recommend the Belkin SurgeCube Surge Protector It has a compact design that will allow several connection types. There are also many more that can fit your specific needs and design choices on Amazon.

Nice to have:

Printer - I have the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer, and it works great; I can print, scan, and fax.

Echo Show 5 - I use it for weather, alarms, and note-taking.


Find these and other great recommendations via my Home Office Idea List, in my Amazon Storefront.