As a busy mom, it can be hard to find the time to do everything that needs doing in one day. Sometimes I feel like I’m running from soccer game, to grocery shopping, visitors and family, to getting everything ready and organized for the week. Which for most Sundays, sunday baking is non existent. Fortunately, this Sunday (today) was different. We had a free day (YAY!) and after our weekly grocery shop (only $355 this week! Whohoo! Its normally $450. So, I celebrate a little), my oldest and I got to the baking.
I remember when my middle daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease 10+ years ago. At first, the kitchen experiences were not pleasant; cookies coming out in blobs and muffins thrown into the garbage were some of the struggles I faced. That’s why I reach for a box or two—boxes are my friends and they dont hurt my baking abilities as much. This weekend, we wanted to have fun in the kitchen together. So we decided it was time to pull out our favorite gluten free boxed goods to add to our lunch bags this week and one tried-and-true recipes that I have made over and over again that we LOVE.
Xoxo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Are you a chocolate lover? Umm, who isn't. Right?! These yummy moist, chewy on the inside with the right amount of crunch on the outside cookies that also use the finest cocoa powder and chocolate chips. These quick and easy cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Plus they are:
- Gluten Free
- Rice Free
- Dairy Free
- Non GMO
- Grab a box of your own here:
https://amzn.to/3ZMahlP
Xoxo Pumpkin Bread
Who says Pumpkin flavored baking should only be saved for fall and Halloween. This boxed Pumpkin bread is packed with flavour and spices. With Pure Cane Sugar, Gluten Free Flour (premium Cassava Flour, unmodified potato starch, organic coconut flour, xanthan gum), Brown Sugar, Baking Soda, Sea Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg.
We enjoy making them into muffins to add to the lunch boxed...they are loved SO much friends are known to steal them from my daughters lunches so extras are now packed (lol).
They are:
- Gluten Free
- Rice Free
- Soy Free
- Dairy Free
- Non GMO
Grab a box for you and your family here: https://amzn.to/3YlWHEE
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Last on the list was Apple Cinnamon muffins—perfectection. Although this one doesn't come in a box and has many ingredients and steps these muffins that taste like a cinnamon roll are fun to make and ALWAYS turn out amazing. We all drool over them. Using our favorite gluten free flour Pamela's All-Purpose Flour Artisan blend these muffins need to be on your baking list.
Grab the recipe here: https://www.pamelasproducts.com/blogs/recipes/amazing-apple-muffins
And Pamela's All-Purpose Flour Artisan blend here: https://amzn.to/3ygFpxS
Baking day on Sundays is always something special for me and my kids (when it does happen); it’s a great way for us to spend quality time together while indulging in some delicious treats that make packing lunches a breeze at the same time! From Xoxo Chocolate Chip Cookies, Xoxo Pumpkin Bread and Apple Cinnamon Muffins, we have plenty of recipes that we love to make when we can fit baking into our busy schedule. Plus, all you need is Amazon at your finger tips 😆 and some basic ingredients from your monthly grocery trip—so don’t be afraid to get creative in your kitchen today!
*When you click on these links and purchase I may receive a small commission.
Finding a new doctor can be a daunting task. Don’t panic—you don’t have to become a medical expert overnight! I've got you covered with the top questions to ask and topics to discuss when interviewing your new doctor.
What Is Their Experience?
What Is Their Experience?
When meeting with a new doctor, you want to make sure that they have the experience necessary to give you the best care. Not all doctors are created equal, so ask about their credentials and qualifications. How long have they been practicing? What specializations do they have? Have they published any research? Are there any awards or recognitions that set them apart from other physicians? Asking these questions will help give you an idea of what kind of experience and expertise your new doctor has.
What Are Their Specialties?
Once you know that they have proper credentials, it’s important to learn more about their specialties or areas of expertise. You should feel comfortable asking questions about their professional background, such as what kind of patients they typically treat, if they have any additional training or certifications, or even if they specialize in any particular conditions or treatments. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the care from someone who is well-versed in the field and can provide quality care for all members of your family.
What Do Their Patients Say?
What Do Their Patients Say?
Nothing speaks louder than the feedback from those who have gone before you. Ask for references or testimonials from past patients; this will help paint a better picture of how the doctor works with his or her patients. If possible, try speaking with one of these former patients directly; this first-hand account can provide insight into how patient-centered your new doctor is and if their bedside manner suits your needs.
What Is Their Approach To Treatment?
It’s important to know what kind of treatment plan your new physician prefers before committing to regular visits. Do they prefer conventional treatments over alternative remedies? Are they open to discussing natural treatments such as herbal supplements or dietary changes? Do they take a holistic approach or prefer more targeted treatments for specific ailments? Do not be afraid to ask about their philosophy on medicine; this is information that could save you time and money in the long run.
Don't be afraid to be honest.
The most important thing you can do when meeting a new doctor is to be honest with them. This means being honest about your symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you are currently taking. It can be tempting to downplay certain symptoms or to omit information that you think might make you look bad, but it's important to remember that your doctor is there to help you, not judge you.
Be prepared to answer questions.
Your doctor is going to have a lot of questions for you, so it's important to be prepared. Make sure you know the answers to basic questions such as your date of birth, your current medications, and your medical history. If you're not sure about something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Ask questions yourself.
While your doctor will ask you a lot of questions, it's also important that you ask some questions of your own. This shows that you're engaged in your own care and that you're interested in learning more about your health. Some good questions to ask include: "What are my treatment options?", "What are the risks and side effects of those options?", and "What can I do to improve my health?"
Follow up after your appointment.
Once your appointment is over, don't forget to follow up with your new doctor. This means making any necessary lifestyle changes, starting any new medications, and scheduling any follow-up appointments that have been recommended. It's also important to keep track of how you're feeling and to let your doctor know if you have any concerns or questions
Finding a new doctor doesn’t need to feel like an overwhelming task! By asking the right questions and doing some research ahead of time, you can ensure that your next physician visit is meaningful and effective. Asking about experience, references, and treatment plans will help ensure that you find someone who meets your needs as well as aligns with your personal values when it comes to healthcare. Good luck on your search for the perfect doctor!
It can be incredibly frustrating when a doctor doesn’t listen to your symptoms or take them seriously. As a mom, it can be even more challenging because you feel like you have no control over your medical care. But there are ways that you can take charge and get the support and care that you need and deserve. Let’s look at how to navigate this tricky situation.
Do Your Research
The first thing to do is educate yourself on your symptoms and possible diagnoses. Searching online for information is great, but make sure you are looking at reputable sources such as medical websites or organizations such as the Mayo Clinic or scientific medical studies at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
That way, you will have an understanding of what might be going on with your body and can discuss it with confidence with your doctor.
Find a New Doctor
Sometimes it's best to part ways if you are not being heard. I myself am at this stage and looking for a new doctor for myself and my family...as well as a new neurologist. (Thankfully I was lucky to be able to get in for a meet and greet in my area and will be meeting them next week.)
When your doctor refuses to hear your words it's time to leave the situation.
After a couple visits with a neurologist I felt uncomfortable and unheard. He didn't take the time to show me my MRI. He did not ask what or how my symptoms were...and since our last visit my symptons had gotten worse and my energy level took a 90% dive. His only piece of advice was to visit a web page that gave absolutely no help. I saw my gp doctor and told her I would not see this neurologist again...she encouraged me to go back. I felt like I was slapped in the face and not heard. Needless to say I have left both.
When searching for a new doctor talk to friends or family members who have had positive experiences with other doctors in the area and see if they can recommend someone who would be better suited for your needs.
Know Your Rights
It is important for all patients—especially moms—to know their rights when it comes to receiving medical care. Every patient has the right to receive respectful treatment from their healthcare provider regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or disability status; they also have the right to receive accurate information about their diagnosis and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their health care choices. Remember that these rights are yours and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
It is crucial for all moms—and everyone else—to take charge of their medical care when necessary by doing research, finding a new doctor if needed, and understanding their rights as patients. Don’t feel like you don’t have any control over getting the care that you need; there are always steps that can be taken in order to ensure that you receive the best possible medical support from qualified professionals who understand and appreciate your unique needs as a patient. Take back control of your health today!
Up next...when a doctor in your area is accepting new patients find out what you should be asking him or her about their qualifications, experiences, specialties and what you should let them know about you and your health.
If you’re looking for a way to practice self care and make some time for yourself, journaling is a great way to do it. But what should you write in your journal? Don’t worry, I've got you covered. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing and help you express yourself through writing!
Your Gratitude List
Start off your day by writing down three things that you are grateful for. This can be anything from the sun shining through your window to a funny exchange with a coworker. Just take a few moments to acknowledge the positive things that have happened throughout your day and appreciate them for what they are.
Life Goals
Take some time to write down some of the goals that you want to accomplish in life. It could be something like taking an Italian cooking class or traveling around the world. Writing out these goals will help keep them top of mind, so when opportunities come up, you’ll know exactly how they fit into your overall plan.
Daily Reflections
Pick one thing each day that had an impact on you and reflect on it. Maybe it was something someone said or did or maybe it was just simply how you felt at the end of the day. Taking this time helps build emotional intelligence and reminds us how important it is to check in with ourselves every once in awhile.
Journaling about whatever comes to mind can be incredibly therapeutic and gives us an opportunity to express our thoughts without fear of judgement from anyone else. Whether it’s venting frustrations or writing down life goals, journaling is a great way to practice self care while also getting our thoughts out on paper! Being mindful of what brings us joy and peace is key...so grab that pen and start jotting away.
Still need a little inspiration? Grab my 14 days of journaling prompts for self care!
As parents, it’s our job to help our children grow and develop into the best version of themselves. We often focus on the academic aspect of their growth, but there are many other skills that can help them become successful in life, such as writing and journaling. In 2023, why not start a family journaling practice with your school aged child? Starting a journaling routine in 2023 can benefit the entire family—especially you!
The benefits of journaling is a powerful tool that can help you and your child process emotions and gain perspective on any given situation. It encourages creative thinking and self-reflection and helps to boost problem-solving skills. Journaling also allows us to express ourselves without fear or judgement and has been known to improve mental health by allowing us to release negative thoughts or feelings onto paper instead of carrying them around inside our heads.
Journaling together with your child is a good practice to start in 2023. It is an excellent way to foster communication between the two of you. It gives you both an opportunity to discuss topics that may otherwise be avoided due to discomfort or lack of knowledge. You can set aside designated time each day for you and your child to write. My favorite time is at night...thoughts tend to flow more as we settle in and are more calm at the end of the day. Or when my girls have had a chance to reflect on the day.
Journaling will give them a safe space—free from judgement—to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas, dreams, etc, while also teaching them how to organize their thoughts through writing. In addition, reading each other's journal entries aloud gives you an insight into one another's inner worlds which can lead to deeper conversations about life experiences and lessons learned along the way. Through this process, both parties can gain clarity on difficult topics while also strengthening their bond with one another as mom and child.
Journaling is a great way for children to express their feelings without judgment. Writing down their thoughts gives kids a safe space where they can reflect on their emotions and experiences without fear of criticism or ridicule from peers. Plus, writing regularly helps build vocabulary and spelling skills as well as improves handwriting. This will help them academically both now and later in life. Journaling also encourages children to think about the world around them more critically, allowing them to gain perspective on how events affect their lives directly or indirectly. It helps develop their imagination by encouraging them to explore new ideas or stories that they might not have thought of before. And it builds self-discipline, which is an important trait for success later in life.
As a mom, we want what’s best for our children—but it’s also important to take care of ourselves too! Journaling can be just as beneficial for us as it is for our kids. By taking 10 minutes out of each day to write down your thoughts, you give yourself time away from all the responsibilities that come with parenting so that you can relax and recharge. It's a great way to work through any stress or anxiety you may be feeling while also providing insight into how you're really feeling about certain situations in your life. It's easy to get so caught up in taking care of our families that we forget about ourselves--so starting a journaling routine together could be just what both you and your child need!
Journaling is an excellent tool parents can use with school-aged children that teaches valuable life skills while fostering communication between parent and child. If you feel your relationship as mother and child needs strengthening and more connection starting a journaling could be the perfect activity. I know it helped open the lines of communication with my daughters when we started 5 years ago. I highly recommend it. It was also one of the reasons I started creating my own journals.
I would be thrilled if you would check my journals out by searching my full name (Lynn Zanidean) in Amazon's search bar. Have fun journaling and discovering more about yourself and your child(ren).
Here's just a few of my recently uploaded little notebooks.
