Alix- good luck at your half marathon this weekend! I’m curious what you’re going to wear since running 13.1 miles takes comfort and practicality but of course you want to look cute!
Thank you! I’m starting to get nervous, but will be glad to have it done! I don’t know for sure what I’m going to wear yet, but here are some options I’m considering. If I wear pants I’ll be wearing these lulu and if I wear shorts these are my favorite to run in. I’m thinking this sports bra (I don’t need a lot of support these days ha!) and this tank (in white) or I’ve been thinking of purchasing this tank because I’ve been having some issues with armpit chafing on my long runs- ugh! The race starts at 6:30am so it will be chilly and I’ll wear this long sleeve top to start the race in. I’ve been training in these Nikes and they have been feeling really good. I plan to do a race recap next week!
How do you discipline your children when they’re acting out? I think my daughter is too young to put in “time out” and it wouldn’t resonate or change the behavior. How young is too young?
Heather: I didn’t start putting Jackson in “time out” until after his 2nd birthday and I would put him in his room for 2 minutes max and come back. I didn’t put him in his crib because I didn’t want him to associate his crib with some place “bad.” But his room was the only room where I could see him on the monitor and he couldn’t get into any trouble or hurt himself if I wasn’t in there. So that’s the place that worked best for us. I believe the rule of thumb is however old they, that’s how long time out should be. Time out seemed to work for us/Jackson and now when he’s acting out and I threaten a time out, he typically snaps out of it. But he finds himself in his room, alone, from time to time 😉
However, I definitely started disciplining before age 2. For example, Cameron (16 months) is starting to throw toys or take toys out of other kids hands (because he plays defense with Jackson every day) so when I see it happening, I look at him and firmly say, “no thank you.” He doesn’t like it and absolutely knows he has done something wrong. And he usually cries which is how I know he understands and I’m good with that. I want him to understand from an early age that this type of behavior isn’t acceptable.
I believe consistency is key and when you see a behavior that you want to change, doing the same thing over and over and over again will eventually have an impact. So, even if he throws toys at home and no one else is around to get hurt, I reinforce with “no thank you’s” and take the toy away. Now, I am no expert and haven’t read parenting books on the topic, which I am sure would tell me I am ruining my child ;), but I don’t think a book can tell you how to not raise an a-hole. I know what is right from wrong and I am not afraid of hurting my child’s feelings when they are acting out. I don’t want to come off as harsh and I’m this hard core mom because I’m not.. I’m weak lol but I still try to do my best with being firm and authoritative. But, if any of you have experience with discipline or have something that really worked for your child, please share in the comments!
Best stroller for newborn stage, being out and about and for running – go!
Loving the overall trend! Can you find me a pair for under $100?
Alix: Yes! I’m SO into the shortalls trend and they will definitely a summer staple for me! These are the ones I have from Abercrombie in ripped medium wash (I believe the white ones are on sale!). Here is a cute and cheap pair from Target. I also love these, these, and these!
I need a cute top for the 4th of July.. something that will layer well over a bathing suit and shorts. Help!
While you’re at it, can you also give me some outfit ideas for the kids for the 4th?
Yes… go to Target 😉 See below.
What are you getting your husbands for Father’s Day this year? Any gift ideas?
Heather: I usually give my husband a gift card to his favorite golf course and give him the freedom to golf for 4+ hours with his buddies. We’re not huge on exchanging gifts on these holidays and prefer to just have brunch as a family but sometimes I’ll throw a fun pair of graphic socks in the mix because he loves them. If you need ideas, go to Nordstrom’s site and under the Men section, there’s a Father Day Gift Guide. A nice half zip for casual Friday’s at work or slippers for around the house are never bad ideas. When in doubt, I always get him his favorite golf tee.
Alix: Last year was my husband’s first Father’s Day and I got him this mug off Etsy as a joke. If your husband is into clothes/style getting him a Stitch Fix box would be a cute idea, or another type of subscription box like beer, wine, fishing, tools, etc. They literally make a subscription box for everything these days. We don’t usually do big gifts on these types of holidays either, so cute socks, boxers, or a new coffee travel mug are my usual picks. I also think a card holder makes a great gift with a little gift card or lottery scratchers stashed inside!
I’m in a dinner rut…can you give me a few new quick and easy weekday meal ideas?
I hear ya! Every (let’s be honest…most) Sundays I sit down and figure out dinner meals for the week. I try to see what we already have in the freezer and fridge that needs to get used up and try and build around that. If you’re following us on Instagram stories you know both Heather and I are obsessed with this cook book right now. Once you build up your pantry, the recipes are pretty simple and you’ll have most of the ingredients already on hand. I also have a subscription to Cooking Light and will flip through those magazines for inspo…they have a bunch of quick, easy, and tasty recipes! Follow us on Pinterest too! We are always pinning new recipes ideas.
When looking to cut down on prep time I like to buy produce pre chopped (esp. onions) if possible. Many times you can hit up the salad bar at Whole Foods and get precut veggies of whatever the recipe calls for. Bag salads are also an easy way to add a side veg. If you don’t have the time or energy to bake chicken…buy a precooked rotisserie chicken. Most grocery stores carry them these days- even Costco!
I just made this recipe and it was super easy and good. This is literally the easiest turkey meatloaf recipe and just pair with side veg/salad. This Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower stir fry is easy and yummy… just add a protein…done and done! If you like coconut I love this recipe for baked coconut chicken strips. You can also just use wholewheat bread crumbs instead of shredded coconut to make your own classic chicken tenders (more kid friendly) just add a side veg/salad and maybe some sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Thanks as always for stopping by and showing us some love! Send us your questions by emailing us at champagnetheory@gmail.com with subject Happy Hour. xx