My name is Mandy. I’m the mom of 3 very beautifully different girls. I’m a full time physical therapist, outdoor and movement (hiking, walking, running) lover, health enthusiast.
Being a mom is the most amazing adventure I have ever been on. I find myself meal prepping as much as I can and would never have believed how many things I would be okay with not being perfect! With the girls being ages 6, 4, and turning 2 in July, I’ve learned that only one room in my house can be clean at a time and that the laundry will never be completely done, but I wouldn’t change a single second of it.
My crock pot saves most of my working nights and my exercise equipment saves the others.
I feel most my Mom-self when I’m packing my baby girls down a hiking trail or pushing a stroller outside doing anything and am absolutely astonished how much love my heart can hold at any given time. There’s nothing I can think of that makes me more proud than looking into the eyes of my girls even at their young ages.
Story: There literally is NOT one Sunday that we leave church feeling like accomplished parents. While avidly attempting to wean my almost 2 year old, she insists by screaming “Boobie” in church, obviously during the most quiet and inappropriate times. 4 potty trips, loud kicking, sometimes yelling, snacks, etc. all play a role in our amazing hour on Sunday mornings.
Also, all three of my girls have what extended family and friends have termed “mean mugs”: to the precious elderly ladies at church, to any adult that speaks to them in public, to their favorite Uncle/Aunt upon arriving to my hometown within the first two days and eventually smiling on leaving day… The list goes on. They’re something and a running giggle worthy attribute known as the infamous “Gange mean mug”. I joke that they’ll look better by looking at the boys with those glares until they’re 30.
Here are some of my tips, hacks, and even a recipe I have picked up during some of our crazy days!
Mom tips:
- If any mom tells you that their babies have slept through the night every single night of their lives, they’re probably not telling the entire truth.
- Breastfeeding is NOT the most natural thing that any woman in her life may or may not conquer and none of that should feel like defeat.
- Mom tip from other people that I truly wish I could live by: Hire a house cleaner. Ask for help with confidence. Don’t pour from an empty cup.
Life hack (attempts):
- DECLUTTERING.
- Dry shampoo.
- New running shoes.
- Frozen meals.
Meal Time Tricks: CROCK POT central, and ANYTHING, I mean ANYTHING we can throw on the grill. No matter the temps outside our grill is a life savor. I have a handful on repeat and am planning on signing myself up soon for a meal planning app to pull myself out of this crazy rut!
Looking for a new quick and easy recipe? Check out this go to that we use weekly in our household.
AIR FRYER PINEAPPLE CHICKEN
A delicious and convenient way to make pineapple chicken in just minutes! It’s sweet and full of Hawaiian flavor.
PREP TIME5 minutes COOK TIME10 minutes TOTAL TIME15 minutes
INGREDIENTS FOR THE GRILLED CHICKEN
- 2 raw chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
FOR THE PINEAPPLE SAUCE
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
OPTIONAL
- chunks of fresh or canned pineapple (juice drained)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees,
- Add melted butter, salt, and pepper to a bowl and mix. Coat the chicken breasts with butter on both sides and place in the air fryer, cooking for 10-15 minutes and flipping halfway. They are done when they hit 165 degrees internally. Let chicken rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, start putting together the pineapple sauce by mixing the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan on medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix together the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl and mix into the sauce. Let simmer for 1 more minute while stirring then remove from heat.
- Slice rested grilled chicken breasts into long strips and either coat chicken entirely with sauce or pour the sauce over top of the chicken and serve.
- Add chunks of canned or fresh pineapple if desired.
THANK YOU Mandy for sharing your story and this helpful information!
If you would like to be our next “Featured Mom” and share your tips, tricks, or story that helped you survive motherhood please email us at kirstin@diapershower.com!
