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20+ Gifts for Busy Moms

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

The job of a mother is not easy. While it might be an amazing and enriching experience, we can’t deny that being mommy 24/7 is exhausting. More than often, moms need to put themselves in second place when it comes to priorities. This is why giving amazing gifts to busy moms will make their day.

If you are searching for gift ideas or inspiration that will help you get something special for a mom who deserves a treat, then you are in luck! Today we are going to show you our top 20+ great gifts for the busy moms. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it.

Top 20+ Gifts for Busy Moms

Colorful Gifts

#1 Cleaning Services

Is there something more annoying than having to spend all weekend cleaning up the house because the kids made a mess? Book a cleaning crew for her and we promise that this will bring a smile to her face. She can finally take the weekend off to relax.

#2 Tiles

Another amazing gift idea that probably hasn’t crossed your mind because it’s a bit unconventional is tiling. The benefits of using tiles are endless. Cleaning the house will be much easier but not just that, tiles also help create a beautiful interior design.

#3 Comfy Pajamas

If there is one gift that all busy moms are going to love, then it has to be a comfy set of pajamas. It’s best to go for a soft material that is easy to wash.

#4 Sleep Mask

Since we previously mentioned pajamas, we need to talk about sleep masks. If the busy mom that you are thinking about has issues falling asleep, getting her a sleep mask is the best thing that you can do.

#5 Memory-Foam Mattress

If you are willing to spend a couple of bucks on great gifts for a busy mom, then you can’t go wrong with a memory-foam mattress. This type of mattress is not only comfy, but it also improves overall sleep quality.

#6 Leggings

Every busy mom will appreciate the comfort and versatility that a good pair of leggings brings. Leggings are great around the house, especially for busy moms who need to stay active.

#7 Fashion Socks

A simple but amazing gift that everyone appreciates is a nice pair of socks. You can never have enough socks! Fashion socks are not expensive and the comfort that they bring is worth every penny.

#8 A Good Book

Busy moms can’t get that much TV time because the kids are always watching cartoons or the husband is watching sports. This is where a good book can come in and save the day!

#9 Audiobooks

If she is a super busy mom and doesn’t have enough free time on her hands to even sit down and read a book, then you should be pleased to know that there is an alternative. Audiobooks are really cheap and your busy mom can listen to them directly from her smartphone.

#10 Noise Cancelling Headphones

If there is one thing that all busy moms can agree about, then it has to be the fact that kids are rarely quiet. This is why it might be a good idea for you to get her a pair of noise-canceling headphones so that she can listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or her favorite music.

#11 A Great Bag

Another gift that is universally loved by moms from all over the world is a great bag. Since they are always with their kids, they need to carry lots of things in their bags. You will surely be appreciated if you get her a top-quality bag.

#12 Pressure Cooker

Cooking is not easy, especially if you have a bunch of kids running around the kitchen. Slow cookers are great gifts for busy moms because as their name implies, they cook slowly so that moms have enough time to spend time with their kids.

#13 Bathrobe

All moms need a fancy bathrobe in their lives! They are soft, comfy and more importantly, you can wear them all the time!

#14 Neck Massager

Getting someone the perfect gift is a challenging task. Fortunately, there is one gift that everyone is going to appreciate. We are talking about neck massagers. They are incredibly good!

#15 Espresso Maker 

The tricky part about being a mom is having enough energy to keep up with the kids. This is never an easy task but drinking a delicious cup of espresso is definitely going to help with that.

#16 Essential Oil Diffuser

Who doesn’t love essential oils? They come in various fragrances that have numerous benefits and the best way for a busy mom to use essential oils is via a diffuser.

#17 A Standing Desk

Working from home is nice for a couple of months, but things start taking a turn for the worse when your back and neck begins to hurt. Standing desks are here to save the day. These are amazing gifts that will make any busy mom more productive than ever.

#18 A Journal

Busy moms will appreciate having a journal because it will encourage them to reflect and evaluate their days. It’s also great for writing down amazing memories.

#19 A Beautiful Calendar

Another small but life-changing gift that you can purchase for a mom is a beautiful calendar. What better way to keep track of your plans other than with a calendar?

#20 Electric Kettle

Everyone who enjoys drinking tea or coffee is going to love having an electric kettle around the house. No one needs to spend ten minutes waiting for the coffee to be ready anymore. The electric kettle will take care of everything.

#21 Hair Mask

Being a full-time mom means that you can say goodbye to spending time to pamper yourself. This is why all busy moms would be happy if they received a hair mask as a gift.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: best gifts, best gifts for moms, gift guidee, gift ideas, gifts for busy moms

My Chicken Kitchen Recipe

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

Are you starting to get bored of the bland recipes boneless, skinless chicken breasts? It gets overcooked really fast and more than often, you will end up with a dry and chewy breast that doesn’t even come close to the delicious flavor that the chicken recipe your mama made. If that is the case, then you are in luck! Today we are going to share with you two delicious chicken kitchen menu recipes that will make your taste buds go crazy.

We are going to present to you the famous air fryer chicken breast and instant pot chicken breast recipes that are so flavorful that you would think they straight came out of your mama’s chicken kitchen. With that said, let’s get cooking!

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

We think it’s safe to say that roasted chicken is popular in every kitchen. On the downside of things, you have to use oil and wait a long time for it to be cooked to perfection. Fortunately, there is an alternative way. If you try our air fryer chicken breast recipe, you won’t need to use a single drop of oil.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that you need for this recipe:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts;
  • 1 large egg (beaten);
  • Kosher salt;
  • 3/4 c. bread crumbs (preferably panko);
  • 1/4 c. flour;
  • 2 tsp. lemon zest;
  • 1/ 3 c freshly grated Parmesan;
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano;
  • Ground black pepper;
  • 1 /2 cayenne pepper.

Cooking Instructions

#1 The first step is to place the eggs and flour in two separate bellows. Get a third bowl and combine the oregano, cayenne, lemon zest, crumbs, and Parmesan. Now, you can season it with salt and pepper.

#2 Dip the chicken breasts into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and now add the crumbs mixture.

#3 The last step is to place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket and let it cook at a temperature of 375°. Make sure to flip the chicken breasts after ten minutes and then wait for five more.

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

There’s nothing worse than being hungry and having to wait for your chicken breasts to finish cooking. This takes a long time and minutes start feeling like hours when your stomach is rumbling. Luckily, this is not the case for our instant pot chicken recipe.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that you need for this recipe:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts;
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder;
  • 1 tsp. dried dill;
  • 2 tsp. dried parsley;
  • 1 c. low-sodium chicken broth;
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil;
  • Kosher salt;
  • Freshly ground black pepper;
  • 1/2 tsp. dried chives;
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika.

Cooking Instructions

#1 Use a small bowl to mix up the spices and then season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

#2 Head over to your Instant Pot’s menu and select the “Sauté” option so that it starts heating up. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. You should try and work in batches and sear both sides of the breasts until they are golden. Usually, it takes three minutes for each site.

#3 Take out the breasts and place them on a plate. Now, sprinkle both sides with the spice mixture that you prepared in the first step.

#4 Turn off the Instant Pot and add the broth. Get a wooden spoon to help you scrape and deglaze the bottom of the pot. The next step is to place the trivet in the pot and to make sure that the chicken is placed on the top side. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” mode for five minutes.

#5 The last thing that you need to do is wait for the cycle to be complete. Dinner is served!

Filed Under: Home & Life, Main Dish, Recipe Tagged With: Air fryer chicken, Chicken Kitchen, Chicken Kitchen Recipe, Instant Pot Chicken

15+ tasty and healthy Chinese snacks

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

Are you craving some delicious Chinese snacks? China is renowned for its unique cuisine that will make your taste buds go wild and there is a good reason for that. The meals that you can find in China are rich in spices and flavor. Not just that, but there is also tradition behind each meal and their flavor is rooted in the beliefs of the natives.

Fortunately, you don’t have to visit Asia in order to taste these amazing snacks. You can order them online and have the same experience as if you were dining in Hong Kong. If you don’t know where to buy Chinese snacks online, then you should be happy to know Amazon has your back. Now, let’s go ahead and check out what are the top 20 tasty and healthy Chinese snacks that you can order online.

Top 20 Chinese Snacks

#1 The Stinky Tofu

The Stinky Tofu

We are going to start our list with something that is truly unique to the Chinese people. We are talking about the famous Stinky Tofu. The powerful smell usually scares people away, but the taste is going to drive your taste buds nuts. A fun fact about this snack is that the tofu needs more than 300 years to stay in fermentation. Isn’t that incredible?

#2 Pocky

Pocky

If you ever visit China, then you will quickly notice that all kids are eating Pocky. This is one of the most popular Chines snacks and this is all thanks to the fact the Pocky is sweet. Pocky is mad from biscuits that are covered in a delicious layer of cream that comes in various flavors.

#3 Haw Flakes

Haw Flakes

The Haw Flakes are your “go-to” snack when you want to show to someone how unique and delicious Chinese food can be. This snack is made from the fruit that grows in the hawthorn tree and therefore, it is very healthy. What’s great about Haw Flakes is that you can use this snack as an ingredient for your fruit salads.

#4 Youtiao

Youtiao

Another amazing Chinese snack that will make you feel like you are walking on the streets of Hong Kong is called Youtiao. These are fried breadsticks that go great with soymilk and porridge.

#5 Rice Crackers

Rice Crackers

Since this is China that we are talking about, then it should come as no surprise that Rice Crackers are featured on our list. The most popular brand of Rice Crackers in Asia is called MSG.

#6 Yan Yan

Yan Yan

Do you want something that will satisfy your sweet tooth? If that is the case, then you can’t go wrong with the Yan Yan. This package contains crunchy biscuits and cream that will put a smile on your face right from the very first time that you taste them.

#7 Pop Pan

Pop Pan

Pop Pan is another popular Chinese snack that is known for its unique taste. These are buttery crackers and what makes them stand out is the fact that they have scallion flavor.

#8 French Biscuits

Despite being called French Biscuits, this snack originates from China and the biscuits are covered in a thick layer of cream. They go great with tea and Chinese people love serving them to their guests.

#9 Wung Wang Snow Cookies

Chinese people make great cookies and the Wung Wang Snow Cookies are the perfect example of that. A single pack of Wung Wang Snow Cookies contains two delicious cookies that feature a mix of salty and sweet flavor.

#10 Turnip Cake

The Turnip Cake is commonly known as “Io bak go” in China and it can be found in all Chinese supermarkets. The Turnip Cake features turnip that is seasoned and mixed with corn-starch, onions, and sausages. The flavor is amazing!!

#11 Steamed Bao Buns

Steamed Bao Buns

If there is one snack that you are guaranteed to see in all pop-up shops around China, then Steamed Bao Buns is definitely the one. Just like all donuts, the Steamed Bao Buns are available in various fillings and all of them are mouth-watery.

#12 Fried Dough Twist

Fried Dough Twist

The Chinese love taking simple dough and turning it into delicious dishes. The Fried Dough Twist is the perfect example of that. This snack doesn’t only look amazing, but it’s also sweet and savory.

#13 Shrimp Chips

Shrimp Chips

Are you looking for a quick snack that you can enjoy while watching your favorite TV show or movie on Netflix? If that is the case, then Shrimp Chimps are your best choice. They come in various flavors and you will always find at least one bag open at Chinese parties.

#14 Gummy Candies

Gummy Candies

Gummy Candies are known for being the “unofficial” Chinese New Year snack. You can find Gummy Candies in various flavors starting with peach and ending with mango. However, we want to warn you that this snack is a bit expensive.

#15 Kasugai Roasted Green Peas

Kasugai Roasted Green Peas

If you like having peas in your food, then you are going to love the Kasugai Roasted Green Peas. This snack is not only healthy, but it’s also incredibly tasty. The peas are covered in wasabi and they will set your mouth on fire if you are not used to spicy food!

#16 Egg Rolls

Egg Rolls

You knew that we are going to present Egg Rolls ever since you clicked on our article, right? After all, everyone who visits China will have the opportunity to eat Egg Rolls since they are so tasty and popular. On the downside of things, the crumbs will make a mess!

#17 Prawn Crackers

Another snack that is super popular among Chinese kids is called Pawn Crackers. These deep-fried chips that are flavored with shrimp. To make things even better, you will also feel a tingling sensation when eating the chips. This is what Chinese snacks are all about!

#18 Curry Fish Balls

Even though Curry Fish Balls might not sound like a delicious dish for Europeans and Americans, all the street vendors in China are selling them. The deep-fried fish balls are cooked in a special curry sauce that is not only delicious but also spicy!

#19 Pineapple Buns

While Americans are arguing if pineapples should be put on pizza or not, the Chinese are taking it to the next level and they are making Pineapple Buns. We are kidding! These buns are just called pineapple because of how they look, they don’t actually have pineapples in them. Nonetheless, they are crunchy and flavorful.

#20 Dried Squid

We are going to end our list with a snack that is so unique that it can’t be found anywhere than China. We are talking about Dried Squid. This snack is chewy and it’s seasoned with salt and spicy chilly. You can also find Dried Squid that has a creamy finish. This is one of the tastiest Chinese snacks!

Filed Under: Eating Out, Snack Tagged With: best snacks, chinese snakcs, top snacks

Flourless Bread – Say Goodbye to Carbs!

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

Even though baking bread might seem like a daunting task for novice bakers, the rewards are more than worth it! Truth be told, bread is one of the easiest and most satisfying bakes that you can make in your kitchen. It might seem challenging at first, but we guarantee that you will find it difficult to go back to the bread that you find at your local market after you find out just how delicious home-cooked bread can be.

What makes bread special is the fact that it goes great with nearly all types of food. On the downside of things, bread is rich in carbs and this can be a problem for people who are on a diet or just trying to lose weight. Luckily, there is an alternative solution. Do you know that you can cook bread without flour? This makes it possible for you to enjoy the delicious taste of bread without having to feel guilty about eating carbs.

How to Make Flourless Bread

Here are ingredients that you need:

  • 4 eggs;
  • 90 grams of sesame seeds;
  • 90 grams of pumpkin seeds;
  • 90 grams of walnuts;
  • 90 grams of flaxseed;
  • a pinch of salt;
  • half a teaspoon of baking soda;
  • 100 ml of water.

The ingredients for baking flourless bread are quite common and you should have most of them in your kitchen pantry. If you don’t, then you don’t need to worry about it because they can be found in every market. Furthermore, they are cheap.

Baking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, the next step is to get baking. The first thing that you want to do is to beat the egg whites in a bowl and then to add a pinch of salt. The salt gives it more flavor. Next, you need to add the baking soda and the water to the mix.

Ground the seeds until they transform into a fine flour and then mix all the ingredients together. Bake the bread for 50 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius and that’s it. The last thing left for you to do is to enjoy a healthy and delicious flourless bread.

The Benefits of Baking Flourless Bread

The most important benefit of baking flourless bread is the fact that you are eating healthy. Carbs are no longer going to be a problem for you. We also want to mention that you will end up saving lots of money in the long run. A single loaf of bread costs 2-3 dollars and this adds up. Not only that, but you no longer have to visit the local market every morning to get fresh bread.

Filed Under: Bread, Recipe Tagged With: flour less bread, flourleess bread

Best bread machines you can buy on amazon 2020

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

Is there any better way to wake up in the morning than with the smell of freshly baked bread? It’s invigorating! The amazing thing about baking bread is that you don’t need to be an expert chef to do it. Anyone can do it, even with zero experience in the kitchen. This is thanks to the fact that bread machines are equipped with automatic programs that don’t require anything else than the ingredients in order to prepare delicious bread.

Nowadays, more and more people are choosing home-made products. Local markets are running out of stock as a result of the strange times that we are living in. Buying a bread machine is one of the best things that you can do. It will help you save lots of money in the long run by not having to spend $5 a loaf every single day. Not just that! You will also avoid having to visit the store regularly. With that said, today we are going to present the best bread machines that you can buy from Amazon in 2020.

Top 5 Best Bread Machines on Amazon

#1 Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker

amazon bread machines 1
Amazon Link

The Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker is the best choice for people who are not experts in baking bread. This bread machine features multiple rapid courses that allow you to bake a loaf of white or whole wheat bread in just 2 hours and 25 minutes! To top it all off, the machine includes various healthy course settings. You can bake multigrain, whole wheat, rapid whole wheat, gluten-free, salt-free, sugar-free and vegan dough.

Another important factor that makes this bread machine great for beginners is the user-friendly design. The machine features an easy-to-read LCD screen that displays all the information that you need about baking bread. Information such as settings, timer and the heat level. We also want to highlight that the electrical rating of the machine is rated as 120 volts / 700 watts.

#2 Panasonic Bread Maker Home Bakery

amazon bread machines 2
Buy on Amazon

This product is one of the best-rated bread machines on Amazon and there is a good reason for that! Thanks to its compact design, the Panasonic bread machine is easy to carry and you won’t have any problems finding a good spot for it on the kitchen counter. Additionally, the Panasonic bread machine ships with a multiple-button layout. This is great because it makes it easy for users to find the settings and modes that they need to bake delicious bread.

Since the machine is manufactured by Panasonic, which is a Japanese based tech company, the menu and the settings are in Japanese. Therefore, you will need to pay close attention to the instruction manual before using it. The advantage of purchasing an imported machine such as this is the fact that it is selling for an affordable price.

#3 Brod & Taylor Folding Bread Proofer and Yogurt Maker

amazon bread machines 3
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a product that is going to do much more than bake bread, then you can’t go wrong with the Brod & Taylor Folding Bread Proofer and Yogurt Maker. This bread machine features a compact design that is made from a reinforced polypropylene body and an aluminum tray. The durable materials withstand high levels of heat without melting. This makes it possible for the bread machine to feature a temperature range of 70-120 Fahrenheit.

The Brod & Taylor Folding Bread Proofer and Yogurt Maker is categorized as a multi-functional machine. Therefore, it excels at preparing much more than bread. You can also use it to make home-made yogurt, chocolate, and even keep chips, crackers and cookies crisp longer. Thus, we think it’s safe to say that having this machine in your kitchen is going to take your cooking skills to the next level.

#4 EZ DOH Bread Dough Maker

Amazon Link

Are you looking for something that is more budget-friendly? If yes, then EZ DOH Bread Dough Maker is the perfect bread machine for you. Despite not being an expensive machine that ships with multiple modes and settings, it’s still multi-functional. You can use it for a variety of recipes. For example, you can use this machine to make dough for bread, pizza, pretzels and many other foods. Furthermore, you don’t need more than 3 to 5 minutes to mix and knead your dough.

If there is something that you can be sure about when it comes to the EZ DOH Bread Dough Maker, then it has to be the fact that you will eat delicious bread and that your kitchen is going to stay clean. To make things even better, this machine doesn’t require any electricity and it does not make noise. We also want to highlight that the folks at EZ DOH are so confident in the performances of their product that they are offering a lifetime warranty on all parts.

#5 DosaMaker Flatbread & Wrap Maker

Amazon Link

Whether you are baking sourdough, gluten-free, whole grain or traditional bread recipes, your home kitchen is going to greatly benefit from this product. What makes this machine stand out from all the other models featured on our list is its versatility. You can use it to prepare gluten-free, plant-based, keto-friendly and all other types of recipes. The limits go beyond bread making!
The flatbread wraps varieties are basically endless! You can turn them into sweet and delicious deserts or healthy snacks. It’s all up to you. If you are not that experienced in the kitchen, then you should be pleased to know that the folks at DosaMaker have your back! They are offering tens of instructional videos and tutorials on their website. Additionally, the machine features three temperature settings and it runs at 1500 watt / 120 volts.

Filed Under: Bread

How to Make a DIY Makeup Setting Spray Bottle in 2 Minutes

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris 1 Comment

There’s nothing worse than having to touch up your makeup ten times throughout the day to keep it in place. Luckily, here is where the setting spray comes in and saves the day. Even though you may think that setting spray doesn’t do that much, it’s a life-changer. Your makeup will stay longer and it will no longer melt as soon as you step foot outside the house.

On the downside of things, makeup setting spray is not cheap and since you are using it so often, you will go through bottle after bottle. This adds up quite a bit. What if we told you that you can make your own DIY makeup setting spray? Not just that, but the home-made setting spray will work just like the ones sold for a hefty price tag by popular brands. With that said, today we are going to show you how to make a DYI setting spray.

Here’s What You Need

DIY Makeup Setting Spray Guide

Are you wondering what makes a good DIY makeup setting spray? This may come as a surprise, but you don’t need any extravagant or tropical ingredients. Check out the list below to see exactly what you need:

  • Small Spray Bottle
  • Funnel
  • Glycerin (preferably veggie glycerin)
  • Distilled/Filtered Water
  • Witch Hazel
  • Essential Oil (optional)

How to Mix Up the Ingredients

Use the funnel to pour the glycerin, witch hazel and then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional). You should use four teaspoons of glycerin and two tablespoons of witch hazel. Next, stir the ingredients together for about thirty seconds. All that is left to do is to fill up the bottle with water until there is left only a bit of room close to the cap. Roll the bottle to mix the ingredients and you are good to go!

If the question “what can I add to my setting spray DIY” ever pops in your mind, then you should be pleased to know that there are many options. You can use rose water as filler or you can switch up the essential oils to give it a different scent. You can even switch the glycerin with aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol. It’s all up to your preference.

Why Should You Make a DYI Setting Spray?

Now that you’ve seen just how easy it is to create your own makeup setting spray, let’s go ahead and check out the many benefits that DIY products bring. As previously mentioned, you will save lots of money in the long run. You will no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars every month because you can make your setting spray. If saving money is not the goal, then you should know that creating your own makeup setting spray [1] is good for your health.

The biggest problem with purchasing sprays from big brands is the fact that they might contain chemicals. These chemicals are harmful to your skin. Companies are adding chemical adhesives to spray so that it  sticks onto the surface of your skin. As if the chemicals aren’t harmful enough, the coating might clog your pores. The skin will not be able to breathe or sweat properly. Therefore, using DIY products is safer.

Filed Under: Crafts & DIY Tagged With: DIY makeup setting spray, makeup setting spray

Top 5 Slow Cookers in 2020 Review & Buying Guide

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

If you love cooking delicious meals for your family, then the slow cooker is your best friend! While multi-cookers might do a great job, past tests show us that nothing compares to slow cookers. The meat turns out tender and your beef stew with potatoes will have an extraordinary taste when it comes out. This is thanks to the fact that slow cookers are great for preparing healthy, home-cooked meals that will send you back to your childhood with only their smell.

The question that remains is which slow cooker is best for you? Here is where we come in. We have selected the top five slow cookers in 2020 so that you can prepare amazing meals for your family. The rule of thumb when selecting these products was that all of them should be of premium quality. Therefore, you can’t make a wrong choice.

#1 Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker

We are going to kick off our list with the Stovetop Sear & Cook Slow Cooker that is made by Hamilton Beach. This is a fantastic tool to have in your kitchen and it will add that “special something” to your family dinner nights. The Stovetop Sear & Cook Slow Cooker features flexible programming and a capacity of 6-quart.

What makes this product stand out is the fact that it ships with a removable nonstick aluminum pan so that you never have to worry about finding Hamilton Beach slow cooker replacement parts.

Buy this product

#2 West Bend Slow Cooker

Top 5 Slow Cookers in 2020 Review & Buying Guide 1

If you are looking a slow cooker that is simple to use and does an outstanding job of preparing meat, then you can’t go wrong with the West Bend Slow Cooker. This slow cooker model features adjustable temperature control and the glass lid is perfect to watch food as it cooks.

Another amazing thing that we want to mention about the West Bend Slow Cooker is that it is equipped with a special “Warm” setting that keeps all meals at the ideal temperature for serving. To top it all off, this product will last for years and you can always use West Bend Slow Cooker replacement parts.

Buy this product

#3 Bella Slow Cooker

Top 5 Slow Cookers in 2020 Review & Buying Guide 3

The Bella Slow Cooker is one of Amazon’s best-selling products and there is a good reason for that! This is a high-quality product that features a 5-quart capacity which means that you can prepare meals for up to five people at the same time!

We also want to highlight that the pot and the tempered-glass lid of the Bella Slow Cooker are dishwasher safe. This is always a nice feature because it makes it much easier to clean after you cook. In addition, this is an Eco-sensitive product and it uses less energy than other slow cookers.

Buy this product

#4 Bella Triple Slow Cooker

We have another slow cooker from Bella on the fourth spot. What makes this slow cooker special when compared to the other products featured on our list is its ability to cook multiple-course meals. The individual temperature controls are available in low, medium and high settings so that your meals are always cooked just right.

Each tri tip slow cooker from Bella comes with a serving spoon and spoon rest. Not only that, but we want to highlight that the Bella Triple Slow Cooker features a capacity of 7.5-quarts so that you can cook for an entire party without having to worry if the food will be enough for everyone. Also, the tru triple slow cooker is bundled with 3 lids, 3 lid rests, 3 spoons and an owner’s manual.

Buy this product

#5 Cuisinart Slow Cooker

Cuisinart is a household brand in the cooking industry and this is thanks to the fact that the products that this company makes are all premium. The Cuisinart Slow Cooker which features 24-hour programmable cook time, cooking rack and cool-touch chrome-plated handles is the perfect example of that. This Cuisinart Slow has a capacity of 4-quart and Cooker it’s perfect for home-cooked meals. The reason why we are saying that is because the folks at Cuisinart have made sure that the slow cooker can prepare an outstanding number of recipes that are famous for their delicious taste.

Buy this product

Buying Guide

If you don’t feel like the slow cookers that we have presented today are not to your liking or you don’t know which one to pick, then you should check out our buying guide below. We are going to present what are the most important factors that you need to take into consideration to find the best slow cooker for your kitchen.

  • How does it heat?

What many people don’t know is that not all slow cookers use the same method of heating. This is a very important factor when deciding which slow cooker is the best for you because it can benefit your cooking. The best heating method is by using a removable insert. The heating element is located on the bottom and it can also bee moved on the side base (not for all models) and this makes it possible to evenly distribute the heat.

  • Capacity

Another important factor that you need to consider when searching for the best slow cooker is the capacity. Do you need a slow cooker that can prepare enough food for a party of up to five people? If that is the case, then you should pick a large on that features a capacity of 10-quart. You can also go with something smaller if you don’t want to deal with leftovers.

  • The Lid Material

The last factor that we want to highlight is the quality of the lid. As everyone knows this already, you don’t want to remove the lid when preparing meals with a slow cooker because you will disperse the heat. This is why it’s always worth to pay extra for a see-through lid.

Filed Under: For the Home, Products we Love Tagged With: Best slow cooker, slow cooker

How to get kids to eat vegetables

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

How to get kids to eat vegetables? Ahh, the decade-old question that moms are trying to figure it out every day. Getting your kids to eat healthy veggies is sometimes an impossible task because, as we all know, kids love nothing more than ice cream, chocolate, cotton candy, and all other types of sugary snacks. Back in the day, cartoons such as Pop-Eye taught kids that eating spinach is right for them, but what about now?

After talking with my friends who are successfully making their kids get excited about eating veggies, I found the secret that helps them to that. The secret of getting kids to eat vegetables is to cook delicious and healthy meals. This is easier than done! Finding the right recipes that will make your kids ask for a second plate is not easy at all. Here is where I come in! I did my research and discovered what is the most mouth-watery veggie recipe that your kids will not only love, but they will ask for it every day.

Delicious Veggie Nuggets

If there is one thing that all kids love when it comes to food, then it has to be finger food that can be dipped in their favorite sauce. McDonald’s owes most of its success to nuggets, but that is not the recipe that I want to share with you today, and instead, I will show you how to prepare veggie nuggets. The recipe is borrowed from Real Mom Nutrition.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups seasoned breadcrumbs, divided
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

How to Prepare the Recipe

  1. Shred carrots (I use my food processor’s shredding attachment).
  2. Steam broccoli in the microwave for two minutes or until tender.
  3. Place shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, garlic, eggs, 1 cup of the breadcrumbs, cheese, onion powder, and black pepper in food processor and pulse for 15 seconds or until well combined. Mixture should form easily into a ball. If it’s too crumbly, add water one teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
  4. Form mixture into balls, about a tablespoon each (I use a cookie scoop). You should get about 25 nuggets. Flatten slightly into round discs about 1/2-inch thick.
  5. Place remaining 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each veggie nuggets with breadcrumbs.
  6. Heat oil in a skillet on medium high heat until it sizzles when sprinkled with water droplets.
  7. Arrange nuggets in skillet and cook about 4 minutes each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your skillet.
  8. Serve with honey-mustard sauce, ketchup, or other favorite dip.

Nutrition Information: Yield: 8, Serving Size: 3 nuggets, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 175 Total Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g, Unsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 371mg, Carbohydrates: 19g, Net Carbohydrates: 0g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Sugar Alcohols: 0g, Protein: 8g

Teach Your Kids About The Benefits of Veggies

Now that you have a delicious recipe to help you, getting your kids to eat vegetables is no longer impossible. However, this is not the only thing that you can do. Experts are saying that one of the best ways to get kids excited about eating veggies every day is to teach them about the benefits that eating healthy brings.
Obviously, your kids will not care about the low carbs of veggies or the fats that they contain, and this is why you should teach them in a different way. According to experts, you should tell your kids that if they eat veggies, they will be powerful just like the heroes that they see in Marvel movies such as The Avengers, for example. Do your kids want to have super strength? Tell them that green foods will make them powerful. You can also invent things on the go and tell them that orange fruits such as will give them supervision!

Filed Under: Parenting

The Tastiest Chicken-Veggie Broth for Your Kid

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

We all love chicken broths. They’re nutritious and tasty and can work wonders when we’re down with the flu. Chicken broths are a bit harder to prepare than any other type of broth, but it’s worth it. They taste like nothing else and can be bolstered with veggies for a richer flavor and nutritional profile.

Vegetable broths are great for children. They have all the vitamins and nutrients kiddies need and can be prepare in just a short time. Veggie broths are much easier to prepare as well. You don’t need to be a kitchen whiz for them – just cook some veggies in water, season the broth and bring it to a boil.

You can add a bit of chicken in such a broth to make things even better. This will add even more essential nutrients to the soup and make it taste all the much better.

Here’s a simple vegetable broth with chicken you can try to prepare for your kid. Once they try it, they’ll never find another type of broth as tasty as this one.

Ingredients

  • 100 gr. spinach
  • 100 gr. pumpkin
  • 100 gr. carrots
  • 500 ml. water
  • 10 gr. butter
  • 30 gr. chicken meat

(serves 2 bowls)

Preparation

Pour the water in a pot and let it to boil. In the meantime, wash the veggies nicely and chop them up. Put them in the boiling water and lower the heat to medium. Add the chicken meat as well and leave the broth to boil.

As soon as the veggies are nicely soft, blend them, and your broth is ready. Use a baby spoon to feed your baby – we promise you they’ll love it!

Filed Under: Recipe, Tried and True Tagged With: Broth, Chicken-Veggie

The Perfect Scrambled Eggs & Veggies Combo for Your Baby

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris Leave a Comment

Have a baby and you don’t know what to prepare for its next meal? Preparing food for babies can be a bit strenuous at times. Adults will eat anything you make, but proper and healthy nutrition is very important for babies.

Veggies and fruits are a pretty important cog in the ‘wheel’ when it comes to your baby’s diet. However, since they won’t eat broccoli and other stuff fresh, you must think of unique ways to incorporate the veggies into meals and mask their taste and flavor.

At a loss for new recipes? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. We’ll show you how to prepare the perfect scrambled eggs with vegetables that your baby will fall in love with.

The Perfect Scrambled Eggs & Veggie Meal for Your Baby

Ingredients

  • ½ a zucchini
  • 2 small carrots
  • Broccoli
  • 1 egg
  • Olive oil
  • A bit of yogurt
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

Preparation

Boil the veggies and smash them to a paste when soft. Whisk the egg, add salt and pepper, then add the veggies in and fry everything in olive oil. Once the delicious scrambled eggs with veggies is done, you can serve it. Trust us – your baby’s going to love it.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipe Tagged With: Eggs, Scrambled, veggies

Healthy Low-Fat Quiche You and Your Children Will Love

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris 2 Comments

Healthy dietary habits and healthy foods are pretty popular today. That’s great. With the obesity epidemic taking over the world, healthy eating patterns are more important now than ever before.

Diets have evolved a lot too. There are tasty healthy alternatives to any dish you can think of such as gluten-free alternatives. We have one such for you here. It’s a spinach and feta quiche with a sweet potato crust instead of the classic with white flour that provides much more benefits than the original recipe.

Healthy Low-Fat Quiche You and Your Children Will Love

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are great for our overall health, but especially for our immune system, eyes, and brain function. The light quiche we have for you below is made with spinach and low-fat milk which add to its nutritional value.

Before you make the quiche, you’ll need to make your own vegan feta cheese:

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup almonds (raw)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup yeast
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup and 4 teaspoons water
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Salt to taste

Preparation

Leave the almonds to soak in hot water for 2 hours, then skin them and blend them with 1 ½ cups of water. Now blend everything together until you get a smooth paste. Let the cheese solidify in the fridge for a couple of hours before you use it.

Spinach-Feta Quiche

Ingredients

  • ½ cup onions
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1 bag baby spinach
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350F and coat a bigger pie place with cooking spray. Peel the sweet potatoes, cut them to slices (about 1/8 inch), and bake them for about 20 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack in the end.

It’s time for the filling. Saute the onions first (2-3 minutes), then do the same with the spinach. Mix the eggs, egg whites, salt and pepper, and low-fat milk in a bowl, then add the mix on the crust. Bake for 30 minutes, then allow the quiche to rest for 5-10 minutes.

You can store the quiche in the fridge for 2-3 days. Bon appetite!

Filed Under: Recipe, Thrive at Five Tagged With: Low-Fat, Quiche

Homemade Avocado-Based Mayo You’ll Fall in Love With

June 9, 2020 by Angela Paris 1 Comment

Can we all agree that mayo is great? It’s perfect as a spread, in many different recipes, and as a tasty addition to a sandwich. Mayo is also dirt cheap right now and thanks to its versatility, it’s the favorite food of millions. There’s one problem with it, though – the mayo sold in stores is just about the unhealthiest thing you can eat.

Store-bought mayo is very processed and therefore not really healthy. The good news is that you can prepare your own mayo with a twist at home without the unnecessary calories and processed compounds.

Homemade Avocado-Based Mayo You’ll Fall in Love With

What Health Problems Can Store-Bought May Cause?

Studies have found that most mayo brands contain vinegar, egg yolks, whole eggs, soybean oil, and a lot of sugar. Most of these ingredients, especially soybean oil, have been branded GMO and we all know how much damage GMO can do to your health.

A teaspoon of this type of mayo has 90 calories. Add 2 to your sandwich and you have nearly 200 extra calories. That’s a lot. Store-bought mayonnaise has been associated with weight gain and obesity, not to mention heart disease and similar problems. It’s just bad.

So why buy it when you can make your own healthy dose of mayo at home? It tastes just like the real thing, but this time, its based on avocado. Yes, it may sound yuck, but trust us – it’s the mayo you need.

Ingredients

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup avocado or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Salt and a bit of pepper

Preparation

What’s important for this recipe is that the ingredients should be kept at room temp before you mix them. Use a processor to beat the egg yolks, then add the water and a bit of salt and pepper. Pour the oil slowly in then add the lemon juice in when the mixture is nice and thick.

That’s it – your homemade mayo is now prepared. Make sure not to make big batches of it due to risk of salmonella. Keep it in your fridge and eat it in a few days if possible. This one doesn’t have that many calories and won’t make you gain weight. As a matter of fact, avocados are the perfect opposite of store-bought mayo.

Filed Under: Recipe, Tried and True Tagged With: Avocado, Homemade, mayo

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