I can’t believe how fast this week went by and thankfully the boys are all off of school tomorrow due to a Statehood Day. Today I share with you my Thirsty Thursday episode and there is a lot to talk about. Lately I’ve been experiencing an increase in weight gain and I’m not sure what is going on. Considering that I have changed my diet and exercise – I’m hoping that everything is okay with my body and overall health. I’ve been in the reminiscing mood lately so I pulled up some old vlogs from the last few years and it just reminds me how important it is to document life. I can’t believe how fast the boys have grown and I’m thankful to have those memories to fall back on. Basically, it’s just me in my relaxed state hanging out and chit chatting so come say hi. Video below.
As most know who spend some time here on my blog, my family and I enjoy cooking together and creating delicious grinds to satisfy our taste cravings. But, did you know we also love to grill and enjoy the taste of a flame cooked meal? During the summer months my husband will cook dinner on the grill at least once a week and we love the taste of flavor of the delectables we get to feast on. However, keeping up with your grill and keeping it clean for the next use is not that easy so we are always on the hunt for tools that make this task uneventful. Today I share with you Alpha Grillers Grill Brush.
If you have ever had to purchase grill tools, you know that they can be a bit expensive. The Alpha Grillers Grill Brush retails for $29.99 (currently on sale for $8) and that’s a reasonably good price considering the size of the brush and quality. This is a heavy duty BBQ Tool. Stiff, thick stainless steel bristles combined with a long rigid handle makes cleaning your grill easy. No one likes to get burned and I like that the reach on this tool due to the long handle makes cleaning easy. What is great is that this product is made for all grill types – porcelain, stainless steel, cast iron, infrared, ceramic, electric, gas, charcoal, Char Broil, Big Green Egg or Weber Genesis. You can scrub away the grit from grilling safely without marking or dinging your grates.
Before cleaning the grates
The handle is 18 inches which makes it the perfect length so that you don’t get burnt, but it is not too heavy in that you lose control over the brush. You can still retain good leverage which makes it easy to use for those like me who have weak wrists or carpal tunnel. The brush itself is not heavy at all so cleaning my grill really is simple to do. What I enjoy the most about this brush is that you can scrub at any angle. Since the bristles have a spiral design, you can hold the brush at any angle and get the job done.
After cleaning the grates with Alpha Grillers gril brush
If I had to discuss one con to the product – I do notice that the bristles do bend, so after several uses, the bristles did not keep the form that they had originally. It did not hinder my use of the product thereafter and I’m still able to use the brush – but I did want to make that notation. We clean our grill prior to our next barbecue, which is convenient for myself and my husband. We heat up the grill and clean just before throwing our goods on the grates. If you enjoy cleaning up after grilling – this will work as well.
Overall we enjoy the grill brush and I would suggest it to anyone looking for something affordable but made of good quality. You can check out this brush and other products from Alpha Grillers here.
I can’t believe it is that time of year again! Last week all three of my boys went back to school. My eldest started his first year of Middle School and my twins were off to Kindergarten. I’m not gonna lie, my schedule is naturally busy but getting back into the routine of school again is always a challenge for everyone in our house. As if our schedules were not already tight, my eldest also started Football Season the other day and practice has us going five to six days a week… exhausting. There are many things that keep me going while my schedule has me running on fumes and I’m always lucky to find a little sweet treat that not only satisfies that little chocolate craving – but also helps to curb my appetite a couple of extra minutes while I get things situated before dinner. This year, I’ve been enjoying M&M’S® Crispy as a snack and love sharing them with my husband and my sons.
Back to school time means that I really need to keep myself much more organized to keep on top of my daily tasks. It’s during those times that I also tend to skip a meal or two in lieu of trying to get everything I need to do accomplished. To help curb my appetite while I’m working or down to the grind on a deadline, I am always looking for a little snack that will satisfy my little sweet craving and keep me going till dinner. I have found a new love in M&M’S® Crispy and absolutely love that while I’m busy working and my sons are doing homework, we can take a quick snack break and enjoy.
My sons, husband and I enjoyed this treat when we tried it originally, and now back by popular demand M&M’S® Crispy returned to the shelves nationwide this past January for the first time since 2005. M&M’S® Crispy offers a way to enjoy America’s favorite chocolate candies with fewer calories per serving and I still love that the same “melt in your mouth, not in your hand” candy coating reminds me of my childhood. M&M’S® Crispy were the No.1 most requested variety to bring back between 2005 and 2014 and our household is definitely a fan. Doesn’t it just bring back memories hearing about the crunchy treat… “made of rich milk chocolate, sweet rice puff center that’s crispy and crunchy and coated in the world-famous candy shell.”
While the boys are in school and I’m planning for the week ahead or focusing on a deadline that is upcoming, I enjoy popping two or three of these milk chocolate crunch treats in my mouth. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes it helps me focus a bit and there are times when I need something in my tummy to help my brain work faster – lol. These are portable and make a great snack while enjoying your summer festivities (especially if you are still on summer break) or a great after school snack for my boys when they have completed their homework.
And, when things are winding down for the night and I am sitting down with my planner, making notes for the following day, this makes a nice “me time” snack after the kids have settled in for the night. M&M’S® Crispy is definitely MOMMY APPROVED and I’m glad I get to share a brand I loved in my childhood with my children today. What is your favorite on-the-go or quick snack to satisfy that sweet tooth?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Summertime in Hawaii is a dream come true for many and for my family, we love it and enjoy our paradise home year round. As a family, we love to get outdoors and experience all that our beautiful islands offer us from the ocean and streams to hiking, climbing and all around fun. But with the high island heat, deep ocean water and so much to do around us, we must be prepared for anything and everything and planning for a safe summer ahead of time is a must. Having worked in the tourism industry for years, I have seen many injuries occur and today I want to share some simple tips that will make your summer time here in Hawaii or anywhere a blast and hopefully – accident free. Here are a few personal summer safety tips that I think every parent should know.
Summer Safety Tips:
Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water! While we are out and about having fun and enjoying our summer, often times we don’t realize that we haven’t been hydrating our bodies until it is too late. Make sure to have consume/drink the daily intake of water or increase the amount depending on your level of activity/fun. Drinking water not only helps to keep your body hydrated and healthy, but it will also keep you feeling cooler while you are out and about. Don’t forget about this important tip.
SPF/Sunblock are Essential – Use it! Let’s face it, many of us forget to apply sunblock before it’s too late so the key is to be prepared and have it ready and handy before you plan your summer adventures. SPF or even coverups like hats, etc. can be essential in not only protecting your skin from sunburn, aging, etc – but also cancer. Make sure to have an SPF you are comfortable using and apply 20 minutes before you get out in the sun. Reapply every two hours as needed or if you are in the water. Sunblock is so important to our family that I always carry a small travel size in my purse year round and my sons always wear a hat year round if we are gonna be exposed to the sun and elements.
Update that First Aid Kit! Since I have very active boys, we have a First Aid kit in each vehicle, a small kit in my purse and a large one in the house to be prepared at a moment’s notice. Cuts, scrapes, thorns – all things ouch can occur at any time and it’s always best to be prepared. My son has played basketball for years and each year one of his teammates get hurt on the court, needless to say – Mommy is always to the rescue.
Water Safety is a MUST! Obviously, we live in Hawaii and are surrounded by water so it is important that we teach our children water safety. My husband and I are both CPR Certified and have years of water training both in the pool and ocean so it is imperative that you teach your children the dangers of water and how to protect themselves. While working in the hotel industry, I have seen many tourists drown due to lack of knowledge of the ocean current, waves and tides so it is important that no matter where you go – that you familiarize yourself with the ocean conditions and know that the ocean is unpredictable. Check signs, posted flag warnings and speak with a life guard on duty when available and make sure to supervise your children at all times. When swimming in a pool, make sure you are supervising your children and have nice clean fun. One important thing to also remember… if your child has been taking in water while swimming or gulping water while playing – monitor your child several hours after water play as that can result in Secondary Drowning – this goes for adults too.
Know Limitations! Teach your kids to listen to their bodies. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can turn into a disaster if not taken into consideration. Teach your children that if at any point they feel pain or discomfort while playing, they should notify their coach and get out of the game or tell a parent or adult while playing. While sitting on the sidelines is one of the most difficult situations a player can face, pushing through injuries increases their severity and keeps you out of action longer. This goes for regular outdoor play, swimming, etc – not just during a game or game play.
Be prepared with accidental & supplemental insurance coverageand Plan for unexpected expenses! Let’s face it, accidents happen and while children are still learning and growing, things can always happen at a moments notice without warning. If you keep busy during the summer months, whether a vacation trip or just lounging at the beach or pool, it is always best to be one step ahead of it all and get that extra insurance to help with expenses. Between sports (which occur often during the summer for my boys) or outdoor play and activities, it’s best to be prepared. Accidents happen. When unexpected injuries happen, make sure you’re prepared with supplemental insurance like Aflac’s accident policy to help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Should the need arise where you need that extra insurance benefit you’ll have it ready. Submitting health insurance claims isn’t something people necessarily look forward to doing – with claim denials and waiting up to a month for payment, it can be a long and difficult process. And while 30 days may not seem like a long time, for families struggling to pay medical expenses, it can feel like a lifetime. Therefore, Aflac recently introduced One Day PaySM – an initiative that allows Aflac to process, approve and pay eligible claims in just a day. By being prepared, you’ll have a back up plan should you need it.
Last but not least, the most important tip for Summer is to Enjoy life and have lots of fun. Children grow up too quickly so make sure you cherish every moment and make lots of memories!
Happy Summer!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a HUGE watch addiction… so much so that I have more watches than I could ever use in a lifetime and I can’t live without a watch on so I even sleep with my watch. I have my favorite brands, my favorite styles and since I’m someone who spends a lot of time in the ocean, I have my Diver’s watches – but I have absolutely fallen in love with a style that is not only timeless, it’s unique. JORD watches are gorgeous wood watches created in different finishes and designs for every lifestyle. Today I am sharing with you the JORD Sully in Black & Maple. This watch has been a favorite of mine for days I want to dress up or those that I chose to be chill and lax.
JORD was derived from the desire for a timepiece that modeled their modern lifestyle. Jord wanted to provide something that was sustainable, efficient, simple and also influenced by experiential living. They wanted their watches to be able to tell more than time by creating a style that was guided by a deep appreciation for natural elements and modern design. Wood is not just a component to each watch, but is the main feature. Each watch is created with an intricacy and multiplicity of woods in the design to insure that each one is as distinctive as the owner. Their methods were to ensure that each watch was not just worn, they were used.
Not only is each watch beautifully crafted, but they are packaged as show stoppers and each come in a gorgeous wooden box. If the box alone didn’t make a statement for you, the watch enclosed within will surely make your jaw drop. I have owned various watches over the years, from many high end brands and I have to say – Jord definitely takes the cake in packaging because I fell in love with the box before I even seen what was included inside.
Each watch ranges in cost between $129 and $295, the most expensive being the Dover which includes Koa wood. That is what attracted me immediately to these watches since Koa is a prized wood here in Hawaii and I had my eyes on the Dover since the first day I heard about Jord. I received the Sully in Black and Maple which is a gorgeous watch with blond and dark wood. The time piece itself is absolutely gorgeous and retailing for just $139 – this watch makes a great gift for anyone (hint – hint, Father’s Day is just a few short weeks away). Each watch is adjustable and if you provide your size to Jord, they can size your watch for you prior to shipping it out your way.
As I mentioned previously, I have the Sully. The Sully series marries complimentary and contrasting woods giving this watch a vivid and varied tonal effect. It has large face numbers and a cut out bezel to add to that playful and sporty look that you can use on a daily basis, but the watch itself is so pretty that this classically styled timepiece can be worn for any and every occasion.
Here are the stats:
Deployment Buckle with Push Button
Stratch Resistant Mineral
Citizen Miyota Quartz Movement (2035)
Case Width: 49mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Lug Ends: 56mm
Band Length: 214mm
Band Thickness: 25mm
Each JORD watch is designed to be splash proof, but is not intended to be completely submerged in water. Also, due to the nature of the wood chosen for each timepiece, colors and grain patterns may vary from photos. Just like finger prints – while Jord watches a similar series, they have their own little finger print in the wood grain.
What’s great about JORD watches is that these time pieces are made in the United States and made of quality materials. I love that there really is a watch for anyone – any size and style. I picked a large face watch because I’m all about those large watches and I love dressing this watch up or down and it’s perfect for a casual day of lounging.
So – are you a watch addict like me? I am absolutely in love with all of the styles and I’m itching to get a Dover for me and one for my hubby for Father’s Day. He NEVER busy anything for himself and is my biggest supporter of my blog, so my goal is to pick one up for him soon. I adore the Sully and I’m very impressed with how well it was made and how stylish it is. If you are looking for a watch that’s definitely unique and offers you a style all its own – I definitely suggest you check out Jord. If you have a special Dad in your life, I highly suggest you check this site out.
Mens Wooden Watches
Check out the site and see all that JORD has to offer – shop here.
Disclaimer: The product mentioned was sent to me for review/feature. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. Affiliate links can and may be placed within this post.
