Healthy Summer Snacking

Being a  mom of four boys, all nine and under with one of them still nursing, it seems like I am going non-stop. I mean NON-stop. We always have somewhere to be, something to do, someone to see, something to clean up or something to look forward to. Busyness is a constant in our lives and it's taken me a while but, I'm finally figuring out how to just go with it. Another perk (??) of being a  mom of four littles (and that I'm still nursing) is being hungry pretty much twenty-four/seven. With all of that rushing around, calories get burned and energy starts to be lacking. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, healthy snack alternatives. Not just for my boys though, for me too! Because, if I'm being honest, my boys don't have a regular snack time. On days that we don't have a lot going on and they're just playing inside and being pretty low-key, they typically don't ask for a snack. They're usually so caught up in their imaginative play that they don't even realize how quickly the time passes and, before they know it, it's meal time again. Me, on the other hand, I have to eat every three to four hours. I'm talking, HAVE to. If I don't, scary things happen. LOL Seriously though, since becoming pregnant with my first baby and learning all about the benefits of drinking tons of water and eating small amounts of healthy food at regular intervals, I am allllllways thirsty and hungry. I need that extra boost of protein in the middle of my day (and morning and before bed at night) to keep me going, I just do. Add in a good, calorie blasting workout to my morning and I'm ravenous by lunch time. No, really, ask my kids..

With all of that being said, I thought I'd share a recipe I was recently introduced to by a friend via Pinterest and have not stopped making since. It's THAT good. And quick! It's called Peanut Butter Energy Bites and you can find the recipe from Chef Savvy here. They're made up of five easy ingredients you probably have in your pantry anyway and only take about thirty minutes from start to finish.

The first time I attempted these protein bites (late last week), I made one batch according to the recipe, substituting chai seeds for flax because that's what I had on hand. I actually ran the half cup of seeds through my food processor before adding them to the other ingredients thinking it would give them more of a "ground" consistency. Totally not the case and, turns out, completely unnecessary. None of my family minded the taste and crunchiness of the seeds one bit. So, the second time making them (ahem..this afternoon), I left them whole. And made a double batch because, yea, they're that good. The instructions also say that you get twelve protein bites out of one recipe. I got around 25 the first time I made them and closer to fifty this time around. I made the balls smaller when I rolled them and they turned out to be the perfect size to grab a couple at a time, for Glen and I, and give to the boys for a snack as well. I also discovered that I like the taste of them a smidge better after they've been refrigerated a bit. They're still sooooo good, don't get me wrong but, fresh out of the fridge? Yum.

These also make a great on-the-go breakfast or late night snack. I've actually had them in place of my nightly bowl of ice cream which is saying a LOT. If you know me at all, you know that mama likes her ice cream. And, I'm hard pressed to keep right along with that habit. Haha. But, I  have to admit, these fill that void nicely when I'm feeling the need to be a tad healthier some days. (Which isn't very often..ha) None the less, give them a try and you never know, you may love them! Also, can you tell the boys were excited for me to make them today?! ;)

Peanut Butter Protein Bites by Chef Savvy

I used natural peanut butter, organic honey we purchase locally and tried to consistently fill a large spoon when scooping them to roll. That way I could keep the size more uniform. I hope all of these tips help you make a yummy treat of your own and please, share any healthy snack/meal recipes you have with me in the comments! I'm also excited to try another recipe I found for a chocolate version and one to make your own chewy granola bars! Bring on summa!! 

Summer Must Haves

When it comes to summer, I crave fresh prints and easy styles. Things you can throw on and go without putting much effort into but still end up looking amazing in. Old Navy has some really great sales going on right now with some pieces that fit that bill perfectly. All of the floral prints and flattering dresses have me starry eyed. And, don't get me started on their sandals. So. Cute.

I've been needing a new pair of pretty sandals for a while now and think I may just snatch a pair of these up to complete my outfits this summer and through our Myrtle beach vacation coming up in September. Also, this two piece swimsuit has me swooning.... I love the high neckline and the stripes on the top and the slimming black floral print of the bottoms is gorgeous! This is one two piece I wouldn't mind wearing everyyyywherrrre. 

Run on over and grab what you love of the sale as I'm sure things will be going quickly! And have a lovely week!!

Muted Tones + Summertime

Dress | made by me

Dusty Blue Heels | Target

Fringe Bag | Very Jane

Wire Wrap Bracelet | made by my mom

It's finally S U M M E R at the Smith house and we couldn't be more excited! I think we're all ready for endless amounts of play time, a little more mama time, freedom to be messier, a more relaxed schedule and more just plain carefree days. I really try not to make our days too stressed as it is but, there's something about summer that makes you want to take a deep breath in and just let it all go.

We started our break with a yummy breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes per the birthday boy's request (seriously, how do I have a NINE year old?!) and then a little piano practice before the boys delved into some very unstructured play and I began tackling some things I've been meaning to do for what seems like ages. Fun stuff, ya know. Like washing all of the bedding in the house, cleaning kitchen counters, making all of said beds and then some general tidying up that comes from weeks of jam packed days and full weekends. Then there was the usual, rotating loads of clothes through the washer and dryer so I can spend an hour an a half tomorrow folding and sorting it all, fitting in a workout (because I am SO VERY determined to make this my most fit summer ever), getting lunch done on time instead of the usual thirty to forty five minutes late because I've put it off and put it off and then lunchtime is upon us, trying my darndest not to indulge in the leftovers from yesterday's party and only failing just slightly, and all the other stuff that's running through my head but I just can't seem to stop my mind long enough to list it all.

Life is busy.

Glen and I also shot a wedding this past weekend. Possibly my last wedding EVER. And while that's a little sad because I so love documenting a couple's day and all of those amazing, once in a lifetime memories, trying to juggle a family and all of my daily duties along with scheduling six plus hours of childcare for four little ones can be pretty demanding and, in the end I sometimes find myself asking, "is it really worth it?". So, for now, I'm deciding to take a step back from the really big photography jobs and trying to focus more on the needs of my family. And, along with theirs, my own. It's so easy to say, "yes, yes, yes" to every open door and opportunity that, I feel like, to learn to say, "no" is something to be proud of. I recently turned down a wedding for the very first time since beginning my little business a few years ago and while I was immediately nervous and apprehensive about whether or not I made the right decision, I also felt this overwhelming sense of relief. I chose my family over a nice little paycheck and a day full of shooting. And that's a big step for me. But, I know I made the right choice.

Looking at our summer calendar right now, all I see are family trips, days in the sun, picnics in the backyard, hours driving the side by side, time soaking up these boys, and very few photo shoots. And I'm totally and completely okay with that. While I like the hustle and bustle of busy, bossgirl life, I love my family more and I'm going to be so intentional about giving them my best this summer. And for the rest of my life. Even if I fail, it will all be alright because I know through all the hard decisions and altered plans, my God is always. in. control.

I read somewhere, "What's the one thing you can give away that you'll never get back? You're time.". I want to remember how I spent my time this summer. When my boys are little enough that they still want me to do things with them and I'm young enough that I still have the energy to do it. Happy beginning of summer friends!! May your days be full of fun and silliness and may the memories abound!