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June 14, 2013
by Liz
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Beach & Pool Bag Essentials

All summer long, I keep my beach/pool bag packed, ready to go, minus fresh towels. This saves me so much time and energy if a last minute pool trip is planned. Over the past 7 years, I have learned what is needed at beach or pool when you have kids. Obviously, a baby who is still in diapers requires more gear, such as swim diapers, but I pack a separate baby bag when I need it. These items down below are the last items standing through the past 7 years. I really like to keep it simple and organized, so I weed out the items that aren’t absolutely essential.

Hmm, on second thought it does appear I pack a lot. I keep it all organized though. The sunscreen, lotion, detangler, brush, hair ties, baby powder, and chap stick all stay in a large cosmetic case that will contain any spills. I keep all the kids’ goggles in a Ziploc bag. And last thing I do before I head out the door is grab fresh towels and place them on top. Simple. Do you have anything you just have to bring to beach/pool with you? Share your beach and pool must haves in the comments.

June 13, 2013
by Liz
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Vaseline Spray and Go Review

Last week, I made an impulse purchase of the Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer. I briefly debated between the Total Moisture and the Aloe Fresh. I decided to go with the Total Moisture, which contains pure oat extract. I was intrigued by the quick application, especially since I hate the timely process of actually applying lotion. I figured for $5.94, it was worth trying.

The Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer comes in a bottle similar to that of spray sunscreen. The directions simply say to spray and rub in. The lotion will absorb fast and not leave you sticky. What did I find? Well, the application is easy. It does require rubbing, not just ‘spraying and going.’ However, it is still faster than applying regular lotion. The Vaseline Spray and Go is extremely light and airy. It works well to re-moisturize your skin, but it’s not quite heavy enough for the initial lotion application needed right after a shower. Since I tend to shower and moisturize with olive oil at night (see my post here for more details on that) I find the Vaseline Spray and Go great for extra moisture in the morning. I also think it’s great for the kids. My final thoughts? It’s great in the spring and summer months when you need to touch up your legs and arms on your way out the door. It’s also perfect to keep in your pool or beach bag. The Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer will not replace your daily lotion, but it is a great addition to your moisturizing routine.

June 12, 2013
by Liz
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Homemade Tomato Sauce

I am the first to admit that I don’t love, or even like, spending hours in the kitchen. It’s not even that I don’t like to, I don’t even have the time. This doesn’t mean that I want to feed my kids tasteless, frozen meals every night. There’s a balance between convenience and delicious, fresh, homemade meals. One dish I will always make the time to prepare (even though it requires such little time) is homemade tomato sauce. My friend, Nicole shared with me her recipe for homemade tomato sauce, and it is the easiest, tastiest tomato sauce I have ever had. Try it just once and I promise you will never used the sauce from a jar again.

The key ingredient in this homemade tomato sauce recipe is the Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes. I buy them at my local Target for $1.02. These tomatoes have such a clean, simple, and delicious taste. Very little work is needed to turn them into a delicious sauce for pasta.

As you can see, I’m not really into measuring – or paying attention to the clock, for that matter. You can tailor the amount of each ingredient to you and your family’s liking. The only amount I keep consistent is one can of tomatoes. Everything else I just play it by ear. Also, I tend to make the sauce in the afternoon, during G’s nap time. That way the sauce has enough time to simmer before dinner. I have, however, not started the sauce until dinner time. If this is the case, you just need to make sure the carrots have softened enough. If the carrots are still hard you can bet your kids won’t be chowing down on them. Hope you enjoy!