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Olivia Whalen

Olivia Whalen is mama to three young girls who is devoted to creative learning, exploration and free range imagination. Olivia enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to preparing homemade baby food or meals for her family. She most enjoys allowing the little minds in her life to flourish and with that you will see her write about creative kid crafts, recipes that fit a family budget and keep everyone asking for more, tips and tricks for a tiny babe, and beginner homesteader fun! Some of her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading, cooking or just basking in motherhood.

This past week I made some fresh roasted tomato and herb sauce that you may can or freeze! This recipe is easy and absolutely delicious and only calls for a couple of minor adjustments if you plan to can it! I chose to freeze this first batch so that we have a quick pull out …

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This 4 ingredient creamy chicken Caesar pasta salad is a delicious change up from your normal summer cold pasta dish. It doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, prep or time to make and it’s pretty light and refreshing considering!  Pasta salad is a great side summer dish but this one includes protein so it can …

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Mason jar storage for keeping produce fresh longer is a little kitchen hack I wish that I knew about years ago. If you are sick of wasting your money in the produce section than this trick is perfect for you. To think of the amount of money I have wasted over the years on produce …

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Did someone say potatoes? We are a potato loving family – in any variation. Chunk, mashed, baked, fries….the list goes on. We certainly do not discriminate. These oven roasted crispy herbed smash potatoes are hands down one of our new all time favorites. Once you give them a bite, I mean try, I don’t think …

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Are you searching for a foolproof method for hard boiling farm fresh eggs? Look no further – I’ve got you covered. Honestly though, getting that perfect hard boiled and easy peel egg can be a bit challenging. Then add in another challenge and try it on farm fresh eggs! Yikes!  I didn’t even know that …

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Mexican style stuffed sweet potatoes are a new family favorite in our house! We eat sweet potatoes fairly regularly but with kids it is in the typical forms you could imagine….fries, cubed potatoes or even whipped. But by roasting them and stuffing them you get to cut down on all that chopping and up the …

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Striving to get the kids to eat healthy is always of upmost importance however, it does not always come easy. Healthy meals for kids can sometimes take some coercion and creativity. I’ve pulled together some really great options that might help you in persuading the growing littles in your life to expand their cuisine and …

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Zucchini bread is so scrumptious! Even if you don’t like zucchini, it is just plain yummy! Now add in chocolate chips? Yes please! My husband whom dislikes zucchini AND yogurt begs me to make this chocolate chip zucchini bread with greek yogurt. It is sweet and moist and a wonderful treat! Zucchini bread is a …

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Savory and Spicy Cowboy sandwiches can only be described in two words, big and rich! They are finger lickin’ good. A flavor combination that makes this meaty creation a home run. This Savory and Spicy Cowboy sandwich recipe is easy to tweak depending on your preference of heat and pairs well with almost anything. Grab …

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A delicious list of DIY seasoning mixes for slow cooker meals of any preference. Slow Cooker meals are the bees knees in any season. Our household is filled with kids and chores and this time of year, Spring cleaning, garden bed planning and fresh air intake – most importantly. I typically do not want to …

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Cooking from scratch is something I try to do as much as possible. However, sometimes it just isn’t in the cards. Biscuits from the can are an easy alternative and can be used for any meal of the day. Pillsbury biscuits have a lot of different options- Grands, Buttermilk, the list goes on. No matter …

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Did someone say asparagus? Yum! I LOVE asparagus. It can tend to be a little bitter so if you add in the right ingredients to cut that down it is delicious!! With this oven roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus with lemon recipe you can master the flavors you find in the restaurants. Also in comparison to …

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This grilled pineapple turkey burger recipe is a great – and healthier- substitute for that juicy burger on the grill craving you might have! And don’t let the word “healthier” fool you….this burger doesn’t lack ANY flavor. It hits all the spots- tangy, sweet and even a little spicy.  Typically prepared on the grill, this …

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This article will give you some tips and tricks to successfully grocery shop for 2 weeks to 3 weeks at a time and also not waste all those goods!  Bulk shopping and meal planning can not only be a time saver but can also be your budget’s best friend. For me- especially with multiple little …

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I am a firm believer in fresh air is good for a kiddos soul and these winter outdoor activities are perfect for the whole family.  We are outdoor enthusiasts and supporters of learning and imaginative free play within nature.  If you truly use your own creativity there is endless things to do and experience outside …

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Is anyone else not a morning person? This mama bear loves to hibernate. With three young kiddos – that just ain’t happening. I do, however, know how important starting your day off with a good strong cup of joe and some nutrition to fuel your body and motivate your brain is! I tend to lean …

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Starting the tiny babe in your life on solids can seem like a particularly intimidating task. Maybe you aren’t sure where to start and need a little guidance or maybe you, like me, are trying to find the healthiest way to introduce foods all the while getting a bang for your buck! The information out …

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