Walk-in Pantry Makeover

When we began unpacking boxes for our new, walk-in pantry, everything just got shoved everywhere, and it was never fixed.

"Where should we put this?"
"Eh, right here's fine."

And it stayed there, of course, making it near-impossible to put groceries away when it came time to. And the floor started seeing a lot of things that couldn't fit on the shelves. Finally, yesterday, in trying to squeeze into the space for the eleventy-kajillionth time, I wondered to myself, "WHY DON'T I JUST FIX THIS?"

Duh.

And so I did. Hello, plastic bins from Walmart. How much I love thee. This is my before and after:

Ch-ch-changes...

Much easier to find things with plastic organizer bins. See?

These are under-the-sink organizers from Walmart that stack. Using them here organizes my spice packets, sugars, and various bags of baking supplies up top (nuts, gelatin and flax seed).

This is an onion/potato container from Tupperware. (I love Tupperware)

This plastic bin from Walmart holds all our foil, plastic, and baggies (plus napkins).

Cereals have their own space to stand up nicely.

Bread in its own bin, easy to pull out when needed.

This redo has made it that much easier to find things, and keep them organized.

What about you? Do you have a pantry or do you use cabinets for your food storage? How do you keep yours organized?

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How a Bed Almost Broke a Man

After spending what seemed like an eternity schlepping from furniture store to furniture store to replace the bedroom sets we had donated to a needy family before we moved, we finally had a good lead on a decently priced furniture store towards the middle of San Antonio. I giggled to myself because it's a name I'll never forget as long as I live - BLT- which stands for Bedroom, Living, Table, and not Bacon Lettuce Tomato (as we all know it as). The name alone had me sold. Wondered if they sold BLTs with every purchase? Ha!

Upon arriving, I could tell the way it was kept that it wasn't the best furniture joint around, but it did have spunk, and tons to choose from. We poured over their stuff for hours, finding almost 100% of exactly what we needed. One U-Haul rental later, the truck was loaded, our wallets substantially lighter, and our house was that much more furnished.

We settled on bunk beds for the two girls, an "espresso" colored bunk bed that can come apart into two beds (if we chose to) later. The color is beautiful, and plays well off the hot pink/purple thing the girls decided to choose as their 'colors' for this new bedroom.

Until we ventured into yet another furniture store, potentially looking for a sleeper sofa. My husband nearly lost his ever-loving mind when he saw this:

I literally heard the man break into eleventy-billion pieces. His jaw dropped. His heart pounded through his chest as I saw tears forming. "Wh-... where was this bed last week?!"

And it was on sale. And he wanted it, despite the bunk bed. He didn't care. And he sat there, staring. And it was PAINFUL yet HILARIOUS to watch, because he completely came unglued. He'd walk away, pretending to look at other furniture, then shoot this bed his love eye-daggers from across the room; loving on it, yet hating it all the same because he didn't know about it before we bought their bunk beds.

This bed had the removable full bed on the bottom, for our older daughter, while fully protecting our toddler on the top bunk, complete with cutesy window. He was completely sullen, crestfallen, and mourning the loss of this bed, even though it was never ours.

I barely peeled him away from furniture store in one piece. Who knew a bed could break a man?

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Win a FRIDGE! Join Me and Whirlpool for A Water Filtration Twitter Party 7/26 7:30 EST #FilterFresh

Who wants to win a new fridge?! Ahh, I feel like Oprah! Stay tuned, details on how to win are below.

Living a (mostly) all-natural and organic lifestyle isn't just limited with food, cleaning solutions and personal care products, but it also involves water, too. Tap water nowadays contains chlorine (to control bacterial growth), lead (from old piping), and so many more (gross) things you wouldn't want to ingest on a daily basis (ew).

When we lived on post in North Carolina, we used water delivery services, which got quite costly. On post in Louisiana, we dabbled with water delivery there, too, and unfortunately, it was even more expensive! We turned to purchasing gazillions of gallons of bottled water from the commissary, which didn't cost nearly as much, but took up massive amounts of room in our super-teeny house, plus we recycled so much plastic, it was ridiculous.

We tried those filtered pitchers and faucet-mounted gadgets, but they never lasted, and didn't offer cold water at-the-ready when we wanted it. After all we experimented with, we knew there had to be a better way to get great tasting filtered water in our home.

Upon moving to Texas and purchasing our own house, we told the builder we only wanted black Whirlpool ENERGY STAR appliances installed, leaving us to purchase a new refrigerator from the store on our own. We chose black appliances so that it wouldn't show so many finger prints (having learned our lesson over the years with white ones from military housing). Another of the must-haves we had on our list was an icemaker/water dispenser in the front of our black side-by-side fridge. We thought we were going to have to purchase a filter for the input water line at the back of the fridge, but, as we perused what Whirlpool offered at Sears, we were thrilled to discover they offered PUR water filters installed in their refrigerators! Fanfreakintastic!

Here's our pretty new fridge. We chose this textured fridge because it shows even less smudges than ones with a smooth surface. Can you tell we have kids with all the stuff on it? Heh.

What we chose: A Whirlpool 25.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator (Color: Black) ENERGY STAR Model #ED5VHEXVB

We are thrilled with how much we can fit into this refrigerator. As I'm sure you can imagine, with how big our family is, we need all the space we can get. 25.1 cu. ft. works perfectly for us. Those gallon-sized adjustable shelves in the door are no joke!

As if you couldn't already tell, we have a big family, and that requires A LOT of food.

The shelves are huge and adjustable as well as being easy to clean, too. I love that you can see-through the shelves, so you can see the products above and below, in case you happen to be missing something. (I mentioned they were huge, right?)

Shown here are only four half-gallons of milk, but you can see there's still room for a third row of milk there.

This top shelf is set on the second setting so we can stack tall things on this shelf. This shelf easily fits four cartons of eggs, and a lot of leftovers. 

The drawers are super-capacity, which we need. We have a lot of cold cuts, cheeses that we need in the smaller drawer. The bigger drawers we divide into vegetables and fruits with individual moisture controls (which I love) that are see-through so you can easily find what you're looking for. Clearly, we need more veggies and fruit, though. You can tell how much room is left.

Above the fridge side is the PUR water filter indicator, making it fool-proof in remembering when to change the filter, it let's you know! Whirlpool's website recommends you change out your filter every six months, but I like the indicator, because it's able to gauge based upon our usage when it needs to be swapped out for a new one, especially considering the size of our family and how much water we consume daily. Cool, huh? And it's super easy to replace, too.

Important note: The replacement filters are available at Whirlpool.com, and during this Water Filtration month you can get free shipping and save 15% on one filter using code JULYH20, or 25% on two or more using code MULTI25. You can buy one filter at a time, or use Whirlpool's Replacement Program and set yourself up on an autoship replacement program, so that it's automatically mailed to you around the time you'll need it. Cool, huh?

I absolutely love the fact this fridge not only filters water, but the ice as well! It offers cubed or crushed ice, a cute little light to see what you're doing, oh, and fits pots under there so you can fill the water directly into posts to cook with! And for those of you with little ones who like pressing buttons and dispensing water and ice on the floor, it locks, too. Ahem.

The kids can be a little messy with pouring their own water all the time :) 

And the freezer surprises me with how much it holds! This freezer currently contains 3 cartons of ice cream, 2.5 big bags of tater tots, a bag of fries, around 20 miscellaneous bags of veggies (15 in the drawer at the bottom alone), two whole chickens, 5 packages of assorted fish, a carton of Bubba burgers, 2 packages of ground beef, 2.5 packages of corn on the cob, a package of sausage, 3 pounds of ground turkey, 3 packages of bone-in ribs, a huge package of fishsticks, 3 bags of chicken nuggets/patties, a package of chicken breasts and 3 bags of raviolis. And yes, the freezer closes. Heck, I have room for more in there, as you can see! Can you believe it?

The door only opens this far because it's so close to the wall. We can still get in easily enough.

And all of that fits even with the filtered ice-maker in the middle!

The only downside? When your kids mess with the ice-making handle (you can see), it takes almost 72 hours to fill the ice bucket back up.

The moment you've been waiting for! Here's the Twitter Party details! To have a chance at winning a brand new Whirlpool Fridge with PUR Water Filtration, simply RSVP in the comments below with your Twitter username and attend/participate in our Twitter Party on Tuesday. One participant at the party will win the shiny new fridge shown below! Woohoo!

Whirlpool 30 cu. ft Side-by-Side Fridge with Tap Touch Controls MSRP $1999.99

HOLY MOLY!

Are you as excited as I am about this!? What do you currently do to provide filtered water in your home? And what features are important to you when looking for a fridge? Tell me in the comments below!

Disclosure: Compensated campaign with Whirlpool. Fridge discussed was purchased ourselves. All views expressed are my own. 

"Chuck" the Birthday Corn

Husband: "If you want corn for your birthday dinner, we'll go to Whole Foods and get some whole corn on the cob for you to shuck."

Daughter: "Yes!! Then I can chuck it at his face!" (Pointing to my oldest son.)

Husband: "Um, no dear. 'Shuck' the corn, not 'chuck' the corn."

Daughter: "Aww, man!"

Apparently, she didn't really want corn for her birthday dinner as much as she just wants to chuck corn at her brother.

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Weird Picture of the Day: Doll Humps Decor

My daughter is going to suck as a babysitter, isn't she? This (!!) is where she puts the baby doll down for a nap?

Even creepier is the fact that this doll moves and talks when it senses motion. So imagine a completely quiet house, and you walk by and suddenly your decorative tree is "oohing" and "cooing" and the baby is trying to crawl, but really, it's humping your tree.

Kids are so weird, man.

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Thank You, US Women's Soccer

The US Women's Soccer Team lost in the World Cup yesterday to Japan. It was a grueling three hours of nailbiting faith and drama, and seeing these women play their heart's out. I could not be prouder of all they've accomplished. I hope they wear their silver medals with pride.

Today they return home to the US, to the loving hands of their family and friends, who will hug and wipe tears from their faces, surrounding them with all the love and support they need to quell the sting they feel from this loss. Only, to me, it wasn't a loss. It was a much-needed rejuvenation this country needs.

I just got finished reading some of the player's Twitter updates after the game, and I'm sitting here in tears. These women trained for this day, and played with honor and dignity, played well, played clean, and it was not their day. To know all the young eyes on them, fueling them, they took the high road, and I sincerely hope I can one day see them play live. It would be an honor.

Last night, after the sun began to set, and the air became cooler in this hot Texas climate, my children all went outside, and my older kids joined forces with the neighbor kids and played soccer in the street. They were trying the same moves they watched Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe use, juking their friends, heading the ball, pushing hard. I realized that, win or lose, these women have inspired families all across America to pick up the ball again. For us, it was a rejuvenation, we love this game so very much, and my kids showed their love of this game last night by playing for hours. My husband laced up his shoes, too, and went out there showing his many years' experience, coaching as he always does, further fueling their passion for the game.

Thank you, US ladies, for all you've done for America. You are inspiration to everyone, everywhere. We love you.

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Cupcakes Make Everything Better

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This Post is Brought to You by the Letter "C" for "Creepy"

Doesn't everyone have toddler underwear crammed behind their printer?

You've heard of children shedding their clothes like snakeskin. My toddler sheds her clothing then flings 'em, like a catapult.

Sigh.

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English Muffin Mini Pizzas & Pizza Pasta Recipe

Kids are home for the summer, and trying to get creative for lunch every day is sort-of exhausting, isn't it? Thankfully, I was caffeinated enough one day to come up with mini-sized lunch of awesome. Check it out!

English Muffins + Pizza Sauce + Mozzerella and Parmesan Cheese + Oregano and Garlic Powder = Lunch!

My husband only picked up one package of english muffins, so I made a corresponding "Pizza Pasta" to go along with it.

When we were on the hunt for an all-natural pizza sauce, we were pleasantly surprised to find Chef Boyardee fit our requirements. The kids were pleased, to include my ever-picky seven-year-old who never likes "sauce" on his macaroni. "Hey, this tastes like pizza!"

"Yes, dude, now do you believe me? It truly is pizza sauce!"

Want to be a summer lunchtime hero? Bookmark this recipe:

English Mini Muffin Pizzas

• One package English Muffins
• One can Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce
• One package shredded mozzarella cheese (you will not use entire package)
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Oregano and Garlic Powder to taste

Toast your english muffins as you would normally, so that they withstand the sauce and cheese without getting soggy. Using a tablespoon, lightly spread the sauce into each nook and cranny of the english muffins in a circular motion. Sprinkle the parmesan first, evenly, then layer the mozzarella cheese over top. Finish with a sprinkle of Oregano and Garlic Powder, and place it in the oven until the cheese has melted fully, and is bubbly and beginning to brown slightly.

Pizza Pasta

• One package of pasta or macaroni (we used elbow macaroni)
• One can+ of Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce (+ = can use additional sauce left over from Mini Pizzas, too)
• Leftover Shredded Mozzarella Cheese from Mini Pizzas
• Parmesan Cheese
• Oregano and Garlic Powder to taste

After your pasta has been prepared as per package and is drained, place it back into the pot and empty pizza sauce into the pan, stirring until all pasta is covered by sauce. Use as much of the cheese and spices as you desire, some prefer it "cheesier" or "spicier" than others, Mix until spices are well-blended and cheeses are melted. 

How do you like that, huh? Instant hero parental status. You will be the envy of all the moms on the block with this winning and super-easy lunch recipe. Heck, you can even elect the kids to help you create it, too. 

Enjoy!

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Being a Sports Mom, New Gatorade Naturals and Keeping Kids Hydrated

Gatorade invited me and other Sports Moms out to their beautiful Chicago HQ over a month ago to tell me all about their new "G-Series" product lines, to include "Pro" and "Fit" and my new favorite, Gatorade Naturals. I was already familiar with their "G2" products, using them myself for workouts, and was eager to learn what more they had come up with. But Gatorade Naturals, oh my!

It was love at first sight in their "Product Room:"

Yes! Sold at Whole Foods! Woohoo!

I am always super-mega concerned about hydration for my family; for myself (with running and fitness) as well as my husband (usually out in full uniform in southern heat), and especially for my children (playing sports and getting enough to drink in school). I will be completely honest, you all know I don't like the artificial gunk in foods nowadays, and I was prepared to ask the heavy questions in Chicago when I was pleasantly surprised and happy to hear Gatorade was already all over it with their new G Series Fit and Naturals products. Hello, all-natural gorgeousness!

Lovely product sent and on my dinner table. Yeah, baby!

(Tidbit: We were able to sample all the current Gatorade products, and hands down, the Gatorade Naturals was every Sports Moms' favorite.)

The Sports Mom event was chock-filled with wonderful information and experts, and I wanted to share some important tidbits with you, especially given the heat throughout most of this sweltering summer. Did you know?

• 76% of mothers to children in sports think their children are properly hydrated, but
• 70% of teens show up to practice dehydrated (Whoa, people!)
• Protein is needed for muscle recovery 30-60 minutes after exercise completion
• More than half of children report they don't eat properly in relation to practice (consuming pre- and post- game fuel)
• Almost half of athletes are simply unable to eat surrounding game time

I'm that kind-of mom that always has that bag of snacks on me at all times, and I'm always ensuring my children have extra in their lunches they bring to school, but drinks can be a big problem with small lockers and little time between classes. It concerns me about how much they are able to drink while at school, or away at practice. Most coaches, to include my husband, have been wonderful about keeping kids hydrated AT practice, but getting kids to drink throughout the school-day, notsomuch. As my children get older and take sports much more seriously, it's good to have all the facts. For instance:

• Hydration starts four hours before practice/exercise starts (during school)
• Eating prior to exercise improves performance (200-300g carb consumed within 3-4 hours prior to exercise improves performance)
• Consuming 10-20g of protein post-exercise is best for muscle recovery

And seeing that information, how many children do you know already do this? I know I wasn't aware this was important, but I am now. And I'm going to do my best to pass on this information to my children's schools and teachers, to be sure they are going to be able to drink as much as they can during school, so they are able to remain hydrated for their practices after school.

For much more detailed information, visit gatorade.com/moms. I love how they've devoted a whole site to us, Sports Moms, to help with our children's hydration and nutrition. You can also read the story on famous Sports Moms Stephanie Hamm and Wanda Pratt (mothers to Mia Hamm and Kevin Durant respectively). 

Disclosure: My trip and incidentals to visit Chicago was paid for by Gatorade, but my opinion and experience as a concerned sports mom and about the products discussed is all my own. 

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