How to Host a Galentines Day Party

I’m a stay at home mom with four kids and every now and then I need some girl time with friends! One of my favorite things to do is throw a party and bring everyone together. Next month in light of Valentines Day, I thought it would be fun to get all the girls together for a Galentine’s Party. I’m excited and wanted to help you throw your own! Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned to help make throwing a party a success.

INVITES:

First thing you need to do is let your friends know about your party! You can always send a card in the mail, however, I prefer the internet.  Specifically Evites.  Have you heard of it? (this isn’t sponsored, I just love it!)  I’ve used it for many of my gatherings.  Some things I love about Evites is:

1. Its FREE - they have lots of designs or you can upload your own design. You can download ours that we used for our party! Feel free to leave it as it is or use photoshop to add details to it.
2. How does Evites work? You enter in the e-mail addresses to invite.  It saves the e-mails for down the road when you want to host another party.  When you send it out, you will be able to see who has RSVP’d and who has looked at the evite.  I have a few friends who are notorious for not checking their e-mails - so I’ll sometimes shoot them a text saying “hey, check your e-mail - I sent you an invite” 
3. You can assign tasks.  Say you want your guests to bring something - you have that capability to make an assignment. (I usually ask friends to bring food)
4. There is a comments section.  People can comment their excitement, what they want to bring or why they can’t make it. 
5. You can send reminder e-mails or update any info by sending one e-mail. 

DECORATIONS:
Decorations always seem daunting when you search Pinterest. I often get overwhelmed. But I’ve found it seems easier if I focus on 2 or 3 ideas and then use flowers as a filler.  I love flowers from Trader Joes and will use some greenery for my balloon arch and to put on the food table.

BALLOON ARCH: 
I have always wanted to make a balloon arch.  I looked high and low for all the different Pinterest directions on how to make one and then found a whole kit on Amazon for about the same price and all packaged up together.  I already have a balloon pump (trust me - you will NEED one) but I found this one on Amazon for a good price

This is what I purchased for the balloon arch: BALLOONS
If you are an avid DIYer - I found this tutorial on Pinterest.  They even have links to the items they purchased which is a huge help.

FOOD TABLE DECOR: 
Along with flowers, I am making this DIY XOXO table cloth! They suggested buying white fabric, but I found a white table cloth on AMAZON that will work great.

I have some black craft paint and a paint brush.  This pinterest tutorial is my inspiration.
These XOXO balloons will be a nice touch to my balloon arch as well.

OTHER IDEAS:

• Photodrop – there are lots of ideas on Pinterest for a DIY, budget friendly backdrop. 
• Garlands and banners
• Chalkboard art or welcoming words

PARTY GAMES:
I’ve learned playing a game or two really makes a party. It helps people mix and makes a fun atmosphere.

FAVORITE THINGS GIFT EXCHANGE:  This is my favorite part of the party! I have found many great products from my friends while attending Favorite Things parties. I am combining this Galentine’s party with the idea behind a Favorite Things party.  I will have my guests bring their favorite items worth $20. Everyone will leave with another guests favorite thing. If you’re looking for gift ideas, check out this post. 

Ways to hand out gifts:  In the past I’ve had everyone put their name on a piece of paper in a bag.  Then we’ve gone around the circle and whatever name you drew out, that’s who gift you kept.  It makes the exchange fair - so people aren’t pining over popular gifts. It’s a great way to keep everyone happy.  I love this method, but I decided to step it up a notch for this year.

I will be gathering as many large paper bags from grocery stores as I have people coming.  Each guest will set their gift they brought in each individual bag. We will set them up at the end of the hall and do a ping pong bounce toss.  Whichever bag your ping pong ball ends up in after one bounce, that is the gift you will take home. I’m doing this for one reason: It’s a great way to mix friends! I’ve learned whenever I mix friends who aren’t super comfortable with each other yet, the more interactive games you can have the better. 

KAHOOT:  Have you ever heard of KAHOOT?  It’s a trivia game on the computer or phones that you make.  You create all the questions and answers and then each guest will open up the website and enter a pin designated to your game.  You start the game and the players have a certain amount of time (that you decide when creating the game) to guess the answers by clicking on colored squares.  The game keeps track of who answers the fastest and has the correct answers. You could give prizes for who won the top 3 or just the winner.

GALEN-GORIES:  We will also be playing a game called Galen-gories. You can download it here. It is similar to Scattergories. You will be given a sheet of paper with 10 questions on it.  Next to each question are lines. Above each line is a letter. Your host will set a timer and you will answer the questions going down the first line.  In this game the first letter is P. You will write down an answer for each question with something that starts with the letter that is above that set of lines.  At the end you will go over the answers. If anyone else has your same answer - you will cross off that word. You can’t use the same word twice. Play 4 rounds with the different letters.  The one with the most unique answers at the end wins. You can gift them a prize or just give them bragging rights.

CANDY BAR GAME:  Buy as many candy bars as you have guests.  Set the candy bars in the center. Everyone will sit in a circle (or stay in their seats) and will roll two dice. Set the timer for 5 minutes.  Each player will roll the dice on their turn. If they get doubles they can choose a candy bar and set it in front of them. Keep the dice moving fast around the circle.  The next player to get doubles can either steal the candy bar from another guest or grab a new one. You have potential to get multiple candy bars. When the timer goes off, you keep whatever candy bars you have accumulated.  If you didn’t want to use candy, you could always grab your favorite items to give out as a hostess gift or you could use dollars or any other food item.

FOOD:
As a host in the past I’ve always felt I needed to provide all the food.  This can be daunting, stressful and expensive. Now I usually ask guests to bring food and I usually concentrate on drinks.  In my evite I will have ask guests to bring either an appetizer, dessert, or soda.

I always provide ice, torani syrups (for a drink bar) and a big jug of water.  I will provide plates, cups, utensils, straws, etc.

My party is just a few weeks away and I can’t wait!  Parties simply make me happy. If you plan one, which I hope you will, please tag us using hashtags #livepresentlee

ENJOY!

2019 Favorite Things Gift Guide

I’ve hosted a few parties where we’ve exchanged favorite gifts and the number one question I get is “What should I bring?”  My love language is giving gifts so I’m constantly thinking, writing down ideas, and browsing stores for ideas. It’s not hard when you look around your house to think of some common favorite items you use daily.  Below are some of my favorite things to give you an idea. Hopefully this helps get your brain thinking outside the box too.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

1. SERVING PLATTERS - I have this one and am eyeing this one.  If you love to entertain or decorate, you can never have too many platters
2. DECORATIVE PITCHERS - This pitcher is so versatile or this pitcher   is similar.  You can use it for drinks, as a stand alone decorative piece or bring this with fresh flowers in it.  Either way you win.
3. TORANI SYRUPS - There are so many soda shops popping up and I’m obsessed.  However, I love to make my own concoctions so I always have a few Torani syrups at home.  Saves money and time. These two flavors are my favorite: coconut and pomegranate.
4. GAMES - games are such a crowd pleaser and a great excuse for another girl’s game night.  My all time favorite game is Telestrations  .  Code Names  is a close second runner. 
5. MOM HIVE or TRIBE necklace - We throw parties to spend time with friends we love.  Why not give one of them a Tribe necklace or a MOM HIVE necklace to show our appreciation. 
6. LAUNDRY HELPS - I recently learned about Oxyclean White Revive   and man, oh man I love it!  I also received some Downy Unstoppables  a few years ago during a favorite things party and I love doing laundry just for the smell alone!
7. BEAUTY PRODUCTS - There are a million ways to go with makeup or products so put together your favorites for one epic gift.  My favorite item is this Lash primer.  I also love this dry shampoo  when my hair is a few days out from washing and it smells amazing.  I also love this  dry texture spray when I want extra texture for my hair! 
8. CAR PHONE MOUNT - I love this  one because it has a command strip on the back to attach it to your car’s surface and it can be removed without any damage.  It has a magnet so you’ll put a magnet in your phones case and it sticks amazingly!
9. SALT LAMPS - Chris loves Julia (a home decor instagram account) posted about these, and I love the atmosphere they create.  Perfect ambiance to relax or use as a night light.
10. ARTIFICIAL PLANTS - or real plants.  I stick with artificial because I can’t keep a real one alive no matter how hard I try.  But there is beauty in a living plant. If you like to kill plants like me - this one and this one are good alternatives. 
11. MIXING BOWL - I was gifted a mixing bowl at a party like this and I didn’t think I would use it that much.  I’m biting my words though because I use it EVERY DAY! You can never have too many mid-size mixing bowls.  And this one makes me want to bake.
12. COOK BOOKS - I love to cook and I am always trying new recipes.  One of my favorite recipes is Banh Mi Tacos and it comes from Our Best Bites  cook book.  It’s healthy and delicious and kid approved. 
13. FAVORITE BOOK - Along with cookbooks, you can always gift your favorite book.  I’m as obsessed with Joanna Gaines as probably most of America. I’ve read her other book and I’ve read Chip’s book as well.  I usually prefer books I can read on my kindle, but her Homebody book  is a NEED in a hardcopy since it teaches so much and I need to be able to write things down.  I have mine sitting on my coffee table. Do you have a favorite book(s) you can share with someone?
14. ORGANIZATION - I’ve been faithfully watching Tidying Up on Netflix.  Although I was aware of her methods a few years back, this show has helped me to really get motivated to organize my entire house and fold all the clothes.  There are so many ways to organize and these labels   make everything look so pretty.
15. HAIR TIES - scrunchies are all the rage nowadays (and back in the 80’s when I was a kid lol) this hair tie is a grown up version that makes even my bad hair days look put together and comes in a few patterns.  This one  is a more simple version. 
16. MEASURING CUPS AND SPOONS - I love to bake and can bake all day long.  I often go through a few sets of cups and spoons measuring out all my ingredients and am constantly replacing my sets.  These spoons and cups are swoonworthy. 

Other options not posted in picture but would be great alone or gather a few items to combine into one gift:

• Organization for drawers and more label options

• Basket of favorite scents - Combine lotions, candles, air fresheners, car fresheners, chapstick, etc and gift a basket of your favorite scents

• Baking tools -  most of my friends have been married awhile and probably have their same utensils and baking items since they’ve got married.  Gifting things like spatulas, silicone baking sheets, meat mashers or cutting boards  will bring joy back into cooking!

• Soap - I love Bath and Body works soaps but it’s hard to make it into the store.  I’ve recently discovered this brand at Target and I get compliments on the smells and look all the time.

No matter what you decide on - your friends (or you) will love discovering new items so pick one of ours or go with your gut.  Either way have fun and don’t stress!

Favorite Things

Sometimes it’s nice to shut the bathroom door, forget about the world, and pamper yourself for a night! If you’re following along with our Be Present Service Challenge you’ll know this week we’re focusing on loving ourselves. I thought it would be fun to share a few items that I used to pamper myself this week. These are all items that I love!

1. 7th Heaven Face Mask - If I’m going to spend some time pampering myself, you better believe I’m going to throw a face mask on for the night! Here’s a great and cheap mask which I usually buy from Walmart.

2. Lavender Epsom Salt – I love a good soak in the tub! And this lavender Epsom salt is amazing to relax in.

3. Hask Monoi Coconut Dry Shampoo – Who has time to wash their hair every morning? I know I don’t! I’ve tried a lot of dry shampoo’s and this has become a favorite! The best part is it smells amazing! Though I’ve linked it on Amazon, you can usually find it at Ulta for less.

4. Saranoni Blanket – My friend kept telling me about her amazing blanket that everyone in her family fights over. I finally purchased one a little while back and I can’t believe how much I love it. It’s literally the softest blanket I’ve ever owned. I purchased the throw size and I get compliments on it in my front room all the time.

5. Torani Syrup – Anyone else love a fun drink? After owning a Sno Shack I learned how easy it is to mix syrups and soda. (Think Fiiz, Swig, Sodalicious) but I hate piling my kids in the car to grab one! So invest in a couple of these syrups, and you’re golden! My favorite flavors are sugar free coconut, pomegranate, and sugar free raspberry.

6. Journal – This morning while I was curled up in my Saranoni blanket, I filled out my gratitude journal. (This was also part of this week’s challenge.) I collaborated with a water color artist and I created this journal for Presentlee. I love the floral, the colors, and what I’ve written inside even more.

I hope after loving yourself a little more this week you’ll realize how important self care is. It’s definitely worth the time and energy to take care of yourself. SEe you tomorrow as we dive into week 2.

i (chart) you

Just following Preslee’s death, my grandpa persuaded me to give genealogy work a try. I agreed, feeling it would be something positive to fill my time with since I was pretty lost without my daughter. When we pulled up my fan chart, and I saw that Preslee’s name and death date had already been added, I immediately panicked (Read about it here)

It took me a few years to log back in, but I can officially say I’m back at it again. As I dive farther into it, I’m surprised how much each one of those names mean to me. I realize they all have a unique story and ironically, I love them because these are the people my daughter is with.

I’ve genuinely learned to love genealogy work.

 

 Last year I discovered a unique company called i (chart) you, that creates and sells ready-to-print modern genealogy charts. After swooning over many of their prints for more than a year, I finally ordered some of my own! Not only do I love their couple’s charts, but their individual ones as well. In the end I ordered a chart for each of our boys, along with the one above.

I was so impressed with their company that I asked them if they would be interested in hosting a giveaway.

I was thrilled when their answer was YES!

Our chart is 20x20! Really big! So it’s easy to read in our home.
I ordered smaller prints for the boys.

I was literally giddy while hanging our prints up, they are incredibly unique and add a fun splash of color on our white walls. But to my surprise, Ledger was just as excited! He loves his blue and green print. He thinks it’s pretty neat that his name is in the middle, along with mom, dad, and Grandma’s and Grandpas! I honestly can’t think of a better picture to hang in our kids’ rooms.

i (chart) you has agreed to give three ready to print files to three of our readers. A $25 value for each winner. We’re super excited!

Here’s How to Enter:

I’ve decided to change it up a little, and host this giveaway on instagram.

1. Follow i (chart) you and the sullengers on Instagram.
2. Like the same picture on both accounts!
3. Comment below on either picture letting us know you did this.
And tag a friend (or two!) for extra entries!
Winner will be announced next Monday (26th)

Good luck! 

i (chart) you has also agreed to offer our readers a 20% discount. Just type in Sullenger20 at checkout.

Happy Shopping!

Workout Favorites

Spring has sprung, which means one thing in my book...triathlon training! I’m not sure how training will go living in UT, I’m going to miss the long country roads with very few cars on them here in Idaho, but I’m hoping I’ll find some new riding places I like just as much in UT. Over the past few years I’ve definitely found workout gear that makes training a little more comfortable and easier and I thought I’d share my favorites.

Note: I’m not advertising for any company, I’m truly sharing my favorites.

1. Headband - I’ve tried quite a few headbands, but this Under Armour band is my favorite. I actually wish I had more than one, (I’m sure I’ll order the other colors). It fits well, stays in place, and I don’t get hot while wearing it.

2. Shoes - Buying running shoes for me is usually an expensive guess, hoping that once I actually run in them, that I will like them. Last year I bought these Under Armour shoes and fell in LOVE with them. I’ve never liked any pair of shoes as much as these babies.  I have bad knees, (Three knee surgeries) and have tried sooo many different kinds of shoes, and last year was the first year in my entire life that my knees didn’t bother me. I couldn’t believe it and I credit it to the shoes. They are super lightweight, breathe well, fit my narrow feet, and have held up extremely well for all the miles I put on them. I have last years model, and just bought the ones pictured. And the hubby loves his pair as much as I do. 

3. Water Bottle - I bought two of these water bottles at a bike shop for biking and never realized I could love a water bottle so much. I now take one of them to the gym with me every night. What I like about it is that squirts a good amount of water into my mouth with force. Therefore, it makes getting a drink easier and faster. And the pink is a cute touch :) 

4. Shorts-  Pat bought me these shorts awhile back and to my surprise I have loved them. Yes, another Under Armour item, (last one, I promise!) When ordering, there were three lengths to choose from, (I went with the 5 inch) which makes it nice for all leg lengths. For the most part, they stay in place well. I think they will make a great alternate for triathlon training shorts, they’ll be easy to swim in, and then jump on a bike.

5. Tank - After having the twins, (and still) my stomach isn’t what it used to be. I found these tanks from Old Navy that help hide the little post partum pooch so many of us have. They cinch at the bottom and don’t fit super tight. If you watch Old Navy, they put them on sale quite often, and you can grab them for under $10.

6. Watch - Last fall I splurged on a polar watch. Their cheaper model {here} is quite popular, but I wanted my watch to have a timer and be waterproof so I could also time while I swam. I caught this model on a great sale on Amazon and have loved it. It comes with a heart rate strap to track calories burned, and has everything but a GPS. (I went back and forth on the GPS for a long time) Pat is currently looking for one, and we noticed the newer models that were just released almost all have the features I was looking for. I highly recommend investing in a watch, its changed how I workout.

7. Headphones - Pat bought me these wireless headphones (in white) for Christmas and I love not being connected to my phone at the gym. I can put my phone down a few feet away from me and workout without worrying about attaching my phone to me. There is volume control on the right ear piece, along with a button to change the songs. I’m sure there are nicer wireless headphones out there, but for the price we paid, I’ve enjoyed them.

T- Shirt Memory Quilt: Preslee’s Blanket

 I remember packing away Preslee’s clothes. Crying. It was excruciating realizing that my daughter’s life fit into six small bins and there wouldn’t be anything more to add to them. Pat carried each one downstairs to our basement, and just like that, our daughter’s room was empty.

Two years passed, and I did everything I could to avoid those bins. Until I accidently knocked over the pink one, and some of Preslee’s clothes spilled out. On top, laid her pink toddler boots. The tears began to fall, and I knew I still wasn’t ready to decide what to do with Preslee’s belongings, so I quickly shoved everything back inside leaving them to sit for another two years.

This past summer, right before Preslee’s four year Angel anniversary, I finally felt ready to open the bins. I knew I wanted to make a blanket using her clothes. Late one night after putting the kids to bed, Pat brought up each bin and I sorted through her clothes deciding what I wanted to use for the blanket. I cried through the entire process, but knowing I was starting the last task I needed to complete, took a weight off my shoulders.

I luckily have an amazing seamstress for a friend. Crazy talented! Tiffany, who runs Tiny Seamstress Designs offered to help with the project, and I am still soo grateful for all that she did! (Details below) Tiffany went above and beyond, she put a million details into the blanket, and the final result turned out better than I could have ever imagined!

Thank you Tiffany, I love you! 

   

She kept a few ruffles from from Preslee’s dress. (Yellow square) 

One of Preslee’s favorite books, In My Nest, by Sarah Gillingham, contained a blue bird finger puppet. While Tiffany was working on the blanket, Cannon and Cruiz destroyed the book. I was upset. Pat suggested I see if Tiffany could incorporate it into the blanket. Tiffany worked her magic and fit it in perfectly.

 

Tiffany kept the buttons on jacket and then sewed the coordinating onesie below. Amazing! 

A reader left me a comment sharing the idea of leaving a few tags of the size of clothing.
Tiffany left three blocks with the sizes on it. One of my favorite details on the blanket.

 

Tiffany came up with the idea of incorporating Preslee’s binky. I cried.
She attached the binky to ribbon and sewed it into the pocket.

      

Tiffany told me she envisioned this hanging in our future girls nursery above a changing table. 

(We’ve gotta talk Pat into that one… :) 

So she added two pockets (up above) to make it easy to hang with a curtain rod or dowel.
I used them while taking pictures, it worked great.

 

I can’t get over the quilting details! Along with how perfectly the three pieces of fabric tie in.

The Process

 I showed up to Tiffany’s house with a large bin of sorted clothes, I put in anything that still had meaning after four years, (There was a lot). Tiffany had different patterns waiting for me to pick from. I also brought examples that different readers had sent me, (Thank you! They helped so much!). What I learned from the different examples was that each blanket showed a different personality, so I knew whatever pattern we picked, I wanted it to scream Preslee! I also learned I wanted a quilted look to it, and wanted it to be on the smaller side. I knew if it was too large I’d pack it away because I wouldn’t know where to keep it, and after spending four years in bins, I didn’t want it to go right back in one.

As I was looking through Camille Roskelley’s book Simplify, the pattern Sweet Pea, instantly stood out. Tiffany agreed it was a good match for all the different colors of clothing we would be using. Then we got to work.

I told Tiffany I wanted to help as much as I could. The first step was to narrow what I brought down to what we would use to cut out five inch squares. Some of the fabric wouldn’t work well, so we eliminated items like swimming suits, jackets, and some dresses.

When I began cutting, I instantly panicked. I was so emotionally tied to each piece of clothing that I felt sick about the possibility of messing up. Tiffany quickly read the situation and suggested I iron the squares after she cut them out. I was incredibly appreciative, and ironed like a champ :) We didn’t finish before I needed to leave, and she asked if she could work on it while I wasn’t there. I said yes, and before I knew it she sent me a picture of all the squares cut out.

After that, there wasn’t really much I could do. I don’t sew well enough to attempt a project like this, so my job was to buy the supplies and find fabric I wanted to use. I spent hours looking for the perfect fabric. I was frustrated. I wanted it to perfectly represent Preslee. I was about to give up when I walked in to a local variety store (Abbotts) and my eyes immediately were drawn to the turquoise and pink sitting next to each other. I was ecstatic. I found three pieces that matched what I had in mind.

When Tiffany called and said it was finished, I ran over as fast as I could! All the little details are out of this world, and with all the different mismatched pieces of fabric, I find something new every time I look at it.

What I Learned

• If I would have made this blanket just following Preslee’s death, I realized I would have picked different outfits. I know I would have picked mostly 18 month – 24 month sizes, what she was wearing at the time she passed away. But four years later, I found myself picking the clothes that held strong memories. I’m really happy I waited to complete this project, (Though it wasn’t planned) because I was sure I knew what I wanted.
• I was terrified to cut up Preslee’s clothes, but when Tiffany sent me a picture of all her clothes cut into squares, I was surprised how happy they made me. I no longer saw little girl shirts, noticing how small she was when she passed away, I just saw pleasant memories. My suggestion is to have someone else cut up the clothes. It was terrible.
• I’m glad I had Tiffany to piece the blocks. It was better to have someone who wasn’t so emotionally tied to each block, and she was able to make it work.
• I think one of the reasons I subconsciously waited to make the blanket was if I had a girl I wanted to use Preslee’s clothes. But six years later, most everything was out of date. I knew if I have a girl down the road, I wouldn’t use most of it anymore. My cousin suggested I save some scraps and make bows out of them if I still want to incorporate them. I loved that idea. I left a few pieces of clothing untouched, and I plan on donating about eight dresses to Primary Children’s Hospital.
• As I was looking at our blanket, I couldn't help but think how anyone who has lost a loved one wouldn't appreciate this. I think it would be such a special thing for spouses, children, siblings, parents, ect. 

I love the finished product. I catch Ledger looking at it all the time. I’ve threatened him with his life, and explained he can look with his eyes, but can’t touch any of it, if I’m not with him. He loves asking questions about all the different pieces of clothing. I’ve also walked by the room and saw Patrick looking at it quite frequently, smiling.

For right now, it’s draped across my chair, and we’re in love with it.

Thank you Tiffany, we will always treasure it!
 

Seamstress: Tiffany Jenkins, From Tiny Seamstress Designs.
Design: Camille Roskelley’s book Simplify, Pattern: Sweet Pea.
Fabric: Sweet Harmony, Designed by Amy Hamberlin,

Feeding Favorites

I’m constantly being asked what our favorite baby items are. After having twins, when we found a product we loved, we depended on it. Here are a few of our favorite items that made feeding time easier.

 

1. Avent Bottles. We’ve used different bottles with all of our kids, but these Avent bottles were by far our favorite. They are wide, easy to clean, and have great reviews. We’ve made and used a lot of bottles over the past year, and they’ve held up great.

2.  Blendtec Twister Jar. This jar makes homemade baby food in seconds. While it blends, I twist the lid, which scrapes the sides and helps blend the puree evenly.

3.Tommee Tippee Bibs. These are by far the best bibs I’ve found. The pocket in the front is the perfect size and catches nearly everything the boys drop. The back attaches easily, and the material makes it incredibly easy to clean. (I rinse it under water and let it dry on the rack) and you can’t beat the price :)

4. Fisher-Price Deluxe Booster Seat. We have two of these and we love them. Our kitchen is small, which makes fitting two highchairs in difficult. The boys sit at the table, or on the floor when guests come, and the seats folds down to make traveling easy. We haul these boosters to every family dinner, which makes feeding three kids very easy.

5. Munchkin Drying Rack. After having the twins, Pat came home with one of these. At first glance I thought it was strange, but it has been used every single day. I love that I have a designated place for bottles and sippys, and I’m able to keep them separate from my other dishes.

6. Little Green Pouch. We received a box of these pouches for Christmas and I’ve been surprised how much I love them. It’s much easier to feed the twins with these rather than a spoon, and it makes storing baby food incredibly easy. I use them while feeding the babies outside the house and makes my life easier.

Blendtec Total Blender Review

Call me crazy, but I just signed up to compete in my second sprint triathlon in August! That’s right, a year after delivering twins. As I’ve been training, (I’ve never been so out of shape!) and changing my lifestyle, I’ve been surprised at the number of e-mails I’ve received about health, postpartum issues, working out, and healthy diet (what I ate while having gestational diabetes) I’m no expert, but I thought I’d share what I’ve learned along the way through a series of blog posts. 

One of the first changes we made in our home was our diet. I have a difficult time getting in fruits and vegetables during the day, and felt green smoothies (which I’ve never loved) would be he way to go. My Father – in – law pulled out his Blentec Blender, and after seeing what it can do, I realized I had probably never loved green smoothies due to my no-name blender, which left chunks of spinach or kale.

Pat and I did a little research, and decided we both wanted a Blendtec, and am happy to say we are now proud owners of a this awesome Designer Series blender.  I am honestly surprised how quickly, it became one of the most used item in my kitchen. I’m a big fan. 

Why I love my Blendtec Blender

{Find it here}

Size- I love the size of the blender. It’s large enough that I can make multiple serving sizes, and yet, the height is perfect. It is made to fit in or under kitchen cabinets, which diminishes clutter.

Blades – Take a look at these babies. They are thick, they aren’t going to break, but the crazy thing is they aren’t sharp, which makes me feel better while cleaning.

Touch Screen – All I have to do is touch the on icon and these images light up.

These buttons are a preset, you push the button and it does its job. It makes perfect smoothies,(recipe for one down below) I was extremely impressed with the batters and soup button, and we’re big fans of the ice cream. (Less trips to DQ :)

I’ve also tested the up and down arrow button to test its full power, and appreciate it, especially while making baby food. I steam veggies and then puree them in seconds.

Soups—I’ve made a couple of soups from Blendec’s recipe book, and we’ve loved them.

Baking – A recipe book came with our blender, and I was surprised that it can be used as a mixer. I was skeptical, but I’ve been very impressed. I rarely have used my bosch mixer since, mainly due to how much easier it is to clean the blender.

Twister Jar – I love this jar! I’ve used it way more than I expected. It practically replaces your food processor (I moved my old one downstairs), and is made for thicker things like nut butters and awesome thick milk shakes. The neat thing about this jar is it comes with the twister lid, which scrapes the side as it’s blending. It comes with a standard lid, and makes a great personal size blender. {Find the twister jar here}

Clean up—I don’t have a dishwasher, so I’m all about easy clean up. I pour 1 cup of hot water, a drop of dish washing soap, blend for a few seconds, rinse and I’m done.

What I haven’t loved about my Blendtec

It’s loud, which is understandable due to how powerful the motor is. In our small house, it tends to wake the twins up…

The price. It’s spendy, but after using it for a few months, I would purchase another one in the future. The good news it comes with a 7 year warranty. (My FIL had a problem with his, and he was immediately sent another one while under warranty).

I wanted to share this info, because I’ve heard so many people mention blenders, and I’ve always been hesitant. I wasn’t sure if it was worth the price, but after owning one, I love it. I love that it’s helping us live healthier lives.

Tropical Spinach Smoothie
Recipe from Feel Great in 8 blog,
{makes 2 servings}

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 can pineapple & juice (20oz can)*
• 1 banana
• 1/2 – 1 cup water
• 1 cup ice (or freeze the banana and skip the ice)
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

*Make sure you buy the pineapple in pineapple juice NOT “heavy syrup” – that just means tons of added sugar.

Directions

Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information
{serving size = about 1 cup – recipe makes 2 servings}
173 calories, 4g fiber, 9g protein, 1g fat