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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Easy Meals For Busy Moms

So it is 5pm and you have worked all day, taken care of kids or in some cases both!! You have loads of laundry still to do, homework to help with, baths to give and the last thing you want to do is make dinner! I have found myself here time and time again, so here are a few options you can prep on a Sunday and freeze to get you ready for the week!! Prepping all three of these meals took me about 30 minutes!

You may have seen the segment on FOX 10 NEWS Arizona Morning Show, click here to view!



Mama's Moa (Hawaiian Chicken) -My 90 second meal!
4 frozen chicken breasts
Can of Pineapple chunks
Jar of Archer Farms (target brand) Hawaiin style BBQ Sauce.
-Throw all into crock pot and heat on high for 3-4 hours or low 6-7 hours! Serve over rice, preferred would be brown rice and a nice veggie! 
For freezing put chicken in a oven safe/freeze safe container and do not keep frozen longer then a month or so. To reheat, take out of the freezer, place in the oven at 350 for about 40 mins. Depending on your oven it make take a little less time, or a little longer. Once you hit 30 mins- keep checking about every 5-10 mins. 

Mommys Speedy Chili- 
1 pound of ground beef (I use ground turkey because it is lower in fat)
1 large onion, chopped
2 15 ounce cans of chili beans in chili gravy
1 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chillies, undrained
1 11 1/2 ounce can of hot style vegetable juice
Optional toppings- Sliced green onions, low-fat sour cream, shredded cheese.
Directions-
1. Cook ground turkey and onion in large skillet until brown, drain off any fat.
2. In a 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker, combine ground turkey mixture, beans, undrained tomatoes, green chilies and tomato juice.
3. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 4-6 hours or on a high heat for 2-3 hours
Put in a Freeze safe container or bag, try not to keep frozen foods longer then a few weeks to a month. To thaw out bring out of freezer, set on the counter for about 40 mins and then drop back in the crock pot to warm (if you are leaving for work) or reheat in a large pasta pot on a med heat on the stove!

Mom's Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada's

 3 cups chopped cooked chicken- I use a store bought rotissure chicken and shred it.
 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded pepper Jack cheese (any cheese you prefer is fine)
 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
 1 (4.5-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained
  8 (8-inch) soft taco-size flour tortillas $
  Vegetable cooking spray
  1 (8-oz.) bottle taco sauce
  1 (8-oz.) container low- fat sour cream $
o       Toppings: chopped tomatoes, chopped avocado, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon about 1/2 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll tortillas up.
  2. Place rolled tortillas, seam sides down, in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Lightly coat tops of tortillas with cooking spray.
 3. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
 4. Stir together taco sauce and 8-oz. container sour cream. Spoon over hot enchiladas, and sprinkle with desired toppings.
 To Make Ahead: Prepare recipe as directed through Step 2. Cover with aluminum foil, and chill overnight, or freeze up to 1 month. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Proceed with recipe as directed in Steps 3 and 4.

J'aime la vie by Victoria Antoinette
Stephanie Antoinette
Founder & M.O.M. (Master of Multitasking) 



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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Back pain & when it might be serious!


One of the common complaints for women during that last trimester is back pain. Weight gain, muscle separation, stress and posture changes are all contributing factors. The sciatic nerve is typically the main source of pain, and often there is no comfortable position to be in. Sleep because increasingly difficult, as well as getting around in general. 

So when does it become serious? Let me start off by telling you that anytime your quality of life is being affected it may be time to speak up and be an advocate for yourself. If you had back pain or issues before getting pregnant this also should be a red flag that something is not right. Talk to your OB and if need be, consult an orthopedic surgeon.

Here is my story...

When I was 17 I was in a pretty nasty car accident and was left with a bulging disc in the L4/L5 area. I was told at the time that this was a degenerative disease that could get progressively worse over time. I was instructed to do my best to keep fit and strengthen my leg and abdominal muscles to support my lower back. So with my first pregnancy there was a little more back pain then I imagine the average woman might go through. However with my second, things were much worse. 

I was well into my second trimester when the sciatica was flaring up... numbness in the legs, pain in the lower back and many sleepless nights. I did my best to walk, stretch and do prenatal yoga- but in the end we believe that may have made things worse. I was in the middle of doing yoga when a pain in my back surged through my body so bad that it made me physically ill and I nearly fell to the floor! For days I couldn't even walk. Once I could finally get up I decided to go see a chiropractor, my second mistake according to my orthopedic surgeon. No relief was provided when seeing the chiropractor, but he did turn me on to Biofreeze and icing which helped some.   

My OB kept telling me that this was most likely just the pregnancy and that once the weight came off I would get better... this was not the case. Once I had my daughter the pain seemed to get worse so that is when I went to see specialists. The bulging disc had actually herniated, and the framework around it was collapsing so to speak. I was beyond the help of Physical Therapy so we tried pain management. By the time my daughter was 5 months old I could barely walk. I was in such horrific pain that I couldn't even carry the diaper bag or car seat. Mornings were the worst; my bones and muscles surged with pain and ached to the core. I was on enough pain medication to kill a small animal- and my quality of life was affected greatly.

So in May 2011, 9 months after giving birth I underwent a bone fusion surgery, I was terrified to say the least. It was a 4-hour surgery that would leave me on bed rest for at least two weeks. I wasn't allowed to hold my baby for the first 6-8 weeks and it was long summer of rehabilitation. The worst of it all is that there was no guarantee this would fix the problem, but for me there was no other choice.

Things seemed to be getting better after several months, but then quickly started to deteriorate again. I still have little sensation in my left leg. I can only sit, walk and stand for short periods of time and there is still a great deal of pain. Sleeping is still very difficult for me, only and hour or so at time and then I need to get up to move my joints. We have monitored the fusion closely and as of 3 months ago the fusion had begun but was wafer thin. 

I write this for the same reason I wrote the article on my breast-feeding experience.  Be your own advocate!!! If something is not feeling right, be persistent until someone listens- meanwhile listen to your own body. I am not saying to avoid physical activity when pregnant, matter of fact motion helps keep things loose. Just be careful if you are experiencing pain, and have a specialist take a look before a chiropractor does! 

When the flare-ups are bad, try ice or heat for 20 minutes every 40 minutes or so. Biofreeze was great at penetrating to the muscles as well so get a tube of that from your local pharmacy. Keep feet elevated when possible, do yoga with a certified instructor when pregnant. Your center of gravity is off; your muscles are completely separated so play it safe! Swimming is really the best form of exercise in the third trimester! Low-impact and takes the weight of your joints and lower back. If pain is radiating down your legs, preventing you from doing any activity or you are experiencing numbness and tingling then it is time to call a doctor! 



J'aime la vie by Victoria Antoinette

Stephanie Antoinette
Founder & M.O.M. (Master of Multitasking) 

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Great gifts for expecting mom!!


With the holidays around the corner you may be wondering what to get that expecting mom you know. I have compiled a little list for great gifts, at varying price ranges to get your mom-to-be!


A great choice is always creams, lotions and oils, especially for that growing belly. Some of my favorites are Bio Oil and Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil. Mama Mio makes some great kits to purchase with a whole line of products moms need during pregnancy!

Diaper bags are a must have for every mom, so why not go with some fabulous and functional!!

Kate Spade's nylon striped STEVIE bag is absolutely adorable!! This bag gives you more then enough room for diapers, bottles, wipes, extra change of clothes and more! Not to mention its simple style goes with nearly anything... remember, mom will be carrying this around for a pretty long time! It cleans with ease, and comes with a changing pad! Another lovely choice are the Petunia Pickle bags, they come in different shapes, sizes and price ranges! My favorite, the City Carryall as seen below!




Not everyone is comfortable with giving a gift certificate, but in this case I think is great choice! Messages, manicures, pedicures, and facials are all things that a pregnant mom would love! Check out some local spas in your area and see what there is! I have some great recco's for the valley... so just give me a call.

Fun iphone and ipad covers make sweet gifts as well... Check out this Tory Burch Robinson tablet case! 






Here is a great phone cover from Kate Spade... this is just one of MANY they have and they are only $40.00!

For the bigger budget, jewelry is always the perfect choice!! I love the timeless look of the Helen Ficalora charm necklace as seen below!





Happy Holidays!!

J'aime la vie by Victoria Antoinette

Stephanie Antoinette
Founder & M.O.M. (Master of Multitasking) 





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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Tips for traveling with kids this holiday!


It is that time of year again, the dreaded holiday travel... with kids in tow! Here are few helpful hints to make this a little easier on you, whether you are traveling by car or plane!

Have a set itinerary, this is not the time to 'wing it' or just go with the flow. Kids like routine, and when you are traveling it is good to set one. If at all possible try to leave earlier in the morning whether driving or flying. Children do not always sleep during transport so it is best not to put them in a position where they will lose sleep. A tired passenger is a recipe for disaster; they get cranky and are more susceptible to getting sick. Try to plan travel where you can still take advantage of a naptime and getting them to the destination before bedtime.

Have snacks and small toys/electronics/activity books in a bag that is within reach at all times! Try to avoid sugary snacks that will give your child a good old 'crash and burn' and go for something with a bit more substance. Gold Fish crackers, raisins, granola bars, fruit & veggie smoothie packets are all good choices. My favorites are Happy Tots- they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and have options for babies and older kids! Check out their site:

http://www.happybabyfood.com

Pack an extra change of clothes that is easily accessible in case there is an accident! Other must haves for your carry-on tote or car bag are; wipes, hand sanitizer, bottled water, gum (for the bigger kids), and Emergen C packs!! I swear by these... you should all take one before travel, during and when you reach your destination!

For games, toys, etc... Pack coloring books, crayons, small wipe board, books, activity book with stickers and the iPad! I do not leave my house without the iPad... it entertains my 13 year old just as much as my two year old. Load it with movies, and games- some of my favorite little kids apps are:

Happy Learning

Peekaboo Ladybird Baby Touch

iTot Cards

Traveling by plane is a little more difficult then car since you have the ear popping factor, and a much higher risk of getting sick! If you are breastfeeding, then try and feed right before you get on the plane. Bring an eyedropper and just before take off drop some breast milk in the baby's nasal cavity. This will help prevent ear popping and kill germs they breathe in. Breast milk is an excellent resource for that... also it will make the baby sneeze and sneezing is the body's was of rejecting germs. You can continue to administer the drops about every hour. If you are bottle-feeding then do feed before take off.  Depending on the age and doctors okay, I would give baby some Tylenol. It will help with the ear pain and possibly get the baby to sleep through the flight. For toddlers try warm milk, hot chocolate... any warmer liquid to help kill germs they breathe in. Make sure to sanitize their hands and face as much as possible! You can also give toddlers a little Tylenol or Benedryl to help them relax during travel whether plane or car!

This can be a stressful time for parents, try to remain calm and not get agitated with each other... it only makes things worse. We do our best as parents to keep our kids from screaming, tantrums, kicking the seat in front of them, etc... But every now and then you will have someone who gives you the glare. Don't let it get to you... everyone is a judge these days!!

Happy Travels!

J'aime la vie by Victoria Antoinette

Stephanie Antoinette
Founder & M.O.M. (Master of Multitasking) 





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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Organizing before the holidays!


If you are OCD like I am, then the holidays tend to come with a little more then 'cheer'... PANIC is more like it! The playroom and kid's rooms are already packed with toys, books and clothes shoved into every nook and cranny. Puzzle pieces, game pieces and more are all over the place, and not where they should be. Your two year old still has drawers crammed with baby clothes, so how can you possibly make room for what Santa is about to bring... and grandma in our case!





Doing a full on organization can be frustrating and extremely time consuming for some, that is why I offer this as a service! Trust me it is worth every penny :-) Here are some key tips to get you started, especially if you are going at this alone.

PURGE!!! Go into the war zone with 3 bins- Keep, Donate, Toss! This is not for the weak; you must be willing to let go of some of this stuff. If it is broken, missing pieces, or stained beyond fixing, then TOSS it! If it is in semi- good condition, but you will never use it then DONATE. There are several charities (I can help you find local ones) that are in desperate need of toys and clothes! Make sure your KEEP pile is not overflowing, and your other two piles have little to nothing. Be honest with yourself, in a couple weeks you won't even remember it.

Once you have established a KEEP pile, decide what you are keeping for daily use, what needs to be packed away for the future (like baby clothes and baby toys), and what you can rotate out every month or so. Kids are really "out of sight, out of mind" creatures. I like to rotate my little ones toys, every month or so it is like new toys for her! I like to use the vacuum seal packs for clothes and store them in closets or the garage. Cute bins like the ones below are fantastic to put toys and games in! You can line them on shelves, or under a bench in a playroom. Easy to pull out for play and clean up!




My mother use to always say "cluttered spaces mean a cluttered mind" and I could not agree more. Nothing feels more satisfying then an organized space. If you are on a budget you can find plastic bins and baskets at any Dollar store. These are great for medicines, crafts, crayons, coloring books and more! Make your spaces great!!



Call or email me for custom organization of any kids room, nursery or playroom!

J'aime la vie by Victoria Antoinette

Stephanie Antoinette
Founder & M.O.M. (Master of Multitasking) 


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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Party Flow & Etiquette~


There are two things you must keep in mind for any party at any budget, and that is Party Flow & Etiquette. We have become a society where everything is quick, fast, cheap and in a party, all of those tend to show. Hosting an event is not as easy as it looks, and there are some basic rules that must be followed! Remember, when you invite someone to your event they are taking time out of their day/evening to be there for you. Often they have purchased a gift, or even hired a sitter to come. Be mindful of that, and remember it is not all about you.






Party Flow~

Every party needs a timeline, especially children's birthdays and baby showers. For children birthdays make sure the party is an appropriate length of time... typically 2-3 hours for younger kids. Attention spans do not last, and the excitement can be overwhelming. Have an agenda to keep the kids engaged and the party moving along. There is nothing worse then parents trying to keep their child entertained at your party. Schedule games, crafts, activities, etc... Kids do well with routine and a good flow... and so do adults!









Party Etiquette~

I have been to quite a few events so feel free to call me 'old fashioned' but I am a stickler for proper party etiquette. If at all possible, do not book the parties for smaller children around lunchtime. At the 3 and under stage a child typically needs to nap after lunch, and missing that could turn into a disaster.  Whether you have hired an event planner or have a family or friend hosting, if this is a party for you, your child or at your home, you need to work the room! Make sure you take the time to say hello to each of your guests (assuming a party of 50 or under). Thank them for coming and introduce guests to one another. This creates good conversation and helps people relax at your event. Always send a thank you card to each and every guest after the event, thanking him or her for coming and if they brought a gift. A hand written thank you goes a long way do not skip this rule!



Make your event memorable, you can plan a great event on even the smallest of budgets if you remember these simple rules!


For party planning services & prices please call me!



Stephanie Antoinette
480-717-2795
www.JLVbebeconcierge.com
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Sunday, November 11, 2012

The working mom...






One of the driving forces behind this business was that I was a working mom who barely had a spare moment to sleep, let alone accomplish anything else. I worked a lot of hours, and I was on call, nights & weekends. My free time was very valuable to me, and rarely did I want to spend it on interviewing nannies, planning birthday parties, organizing my own shower, finding a housekeeper, etc... I needed things done quickly, the right way and under budget. I also wanted to make sure I was getting with the right people, luckily for you; I have already done the trial and error. Had there been a service like mine while I was working, I would have signed up immediately!

For instance, 4 weeks before Ella was due I was planning a pool birthday party at our house for my oldest Kiana. I didn't want Kiana to feel her birthday was getting overlooked because we were about to have a baby. However, I was in NO CONDITION to put this together on my own... so I went in search of some help. I needed someone to clean our home, not only for the party but a deep clean before Ella came. So I searched online, and in the papers then finally decided on someone. It was a few days before the party and she was supposed to show up at 7am. After several calls, messages and freak-outs (on my end) she showed up at 2pm! Since I had somewhere to be a 4pm she only stayed for a couple of hours and then came back the next day to finish. Not only was she incredibly late, she did a horrid job and charged me about 30% more then what she advertised! She even left water stains on the tile!

Then came the research for a photographer... I didn't start looking until late in the pregnancy. Prices varied from 250 to 2500- in the end I knew none of them or their work so I did it myself. In the past couple of years I have made it a mission to find the best of the best, and I have! The pictures I took of Ella were ok, but sadly I wasn't in any of them. I should have learned the lesson of finding a good photographer from my wedding disaster- it just took me awhile to find the perfect ones.





As working moms we feel so much guilt... do we spend enough time with our family? Did I give my child the best birthday I could, what products am I supposed to buy, who can I trust my children to be left with while I work? These are real concerns that almost any mother faces, but especially those who spend the majority of their days away from their kids.

My concierge can provide mothers the resources, services and extra hand they need. What is best about this is you can be rest assured you will not have a disaster like I did. My vendors provide their services at a discounted price to my clients that you would not find if you sought them out directly. Not to mention all the time and effort it would take to compile a go-to list. J'aime la vie by Victoria Antoinette is your one-stop shop for all mommy and baby needs! I work with the valley's top florists, photographers, bakers, venues, and more to provide you whatever you need.

www.JLVbebeconcierge.com

Stop stressing yourself out, take your free time back and hire me for all your needs! My services pay for it-self a hundred times over!

xx,
Stephanie Antoinette 


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