Monthly Archives

December 2018

17+ Delicious Non Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes For Any Occasion

by Nellie December 31, 2018

17+ Delicious Non Alcoholic Mocktails

For Any Occasion

It is always a good idea to serve mocktails. You can serve them at kids birthday parties, and at your own parties to make the kids feel as if they have some special “drinks” as well.

I’m sharing with you today 17+ Delicious Non Alcoholic Mocktails that you can create for any occasion, and these come in super useful for expectant mothers, non drinkers and of course, kids!

I’ve included some mojitos (or in this case NO-jitos), coladas and so many more fun beverages! I’ve always been a fan of creating awesome drinks and these are perfect for your next party!

17+ Delicious Non Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes For Any Occasion

Mocktail recipes are so fun for kids, pregnant women and non drinkers! These non alcoholic drinks will impress everyone!

Peach Pineapple Mojito Mocktail For The Whole Family

This simple Peach Pineapple Mojito Mocktail is so fun to make! With just 5 simple ingredients, the whole family will enjoy this refreshing drink!

Easy and Festive Rainbow Sherbet Punch - Only 3 Ingredients!

A fun and delicious rainbow pink drink that is fun to make with the kids! Serve this on Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day for a festive treat!

Frozen Limeade Punch Mocktail For The Whole Family

A super easy and yummy frozen limeade punch that will cool you off on a hot day!

Strawberry Pina Colada Lava Flow Mocktail

Super Simple and Fun Cotton Candy Mocktail

Fresh Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

Photo Credit: recipearoma.com

Frosty Coconut Mint Green Tea Mocktail

Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

Mermaid Water Mocktail: A Refreshing Summertime Drink!

Photo Credit: themommadiaries.com

Virgin Banana Daiquiris

Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

Citrus Strawberry Mocktail Recipe

Photo Credit: www.playpartyplan.com

Virgin Pina Colada Recipe • Food Folks and Fun

Photo Credit: foodfolksandfun.net

Rockin the Beet: Beet Wassail Winter Punch

Photo Credit: www.justbeetit.com

Frozen Watermelon Mocktail

Photo Credit: www.theafropolitanmom.com

Cherry Shirley Temple Mocktail Recipe (Non-Alcoholic Mixed Drink)

Photo Credit: homecookingmemories.com

Strawberry Creamsicle Cocktail And Mocktail Recipe

Photo Credit: cookeatgo.com

Beet, Citrus, and Ginger Sangria Mocktail

Photo Credit: www.justbeetit.com

Virgin Pina Colada Recipe Mocktail [no alcohol]

Photo Credit: www.masalaherb.com

Sparkling Raspberry Limeade Mocktail

Photo Credit: lowcarbyum.com

Virgin Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas

Photo Credit: www.coffeewithus3.com

Cherry Ginger Mocktail Margarita Recipe

Photo Credit: playdatesparties.com

Creamy Apple Mock-tini Recipe | Easy Holiday Mocktails for Kids

Photo Credit: playdatesparties.com

Orange Creamsicle Shirley Temple

Photo Credit: www.thekitchenismyplayground.com

Non Alcoholic Sangria (Sangria Mocktail)

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Ginger Beer Hibiscus Mocktail African recipe

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Virgin Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Photo Credit: www.coffeewithus3.com

What is your favorite non alcoholic mocktails recipe?

If you enjoyed this post you will also enjoy:

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

50 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes You Need In Your Life

50 Delicious and Healthy Game Day Recipes

(Updated July 2020)

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baby newborn nyc Parenting pregnancy

A Full Review Of The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Stroller System

by Nellie December 18, 2018

One of the most important accessories for a new baby is your stroller. Especially if you live in an urban area, you will be spending TONS of time with your stroller. I took my time choosing a stroller this time around because things have changed A LOT in 7 years. Today I am reviewing my new favorite stroller the Pivot Xpand Stroller System.

I remember with the boys, the stroller we had was worn out because we walked them back and forth to the daycare daily plus weekend activities. This time around I was very particular about my choice of the Pivot Xpand Stroller System because it was important that not only did I have a cute and stylish stroller, I had a durable one with easy navigation as well. (FYI: This stroller tends to be called the “Pivot Expand Stroller System” too, but Evenflo is fancy and left off the E) 🙂

Introducing the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System

I was first introduced to the Evenflo Pivot Xpand at the New York Baby Show last May. The baby show allows you to try out dozens of different strollers in simulated environments in a “test track” sort of way. When I arrived at the Evenflo booth, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand had gone off on a test ride–it was THE most popular frame sxdwaastroller system in the building and I can totally see why!

Evenflo Pivot Features:

Single To Double: Stroller grows from single to double with no tools or extra parts needed! Unique slide and lock system expands frame to accommodate a second toddler or infant seat. (so handy!)

Up To 22 Conﬁgurations: The unique design accommodates one or two riders. Infants and children can sit at various heights, upright or reclined, in both parent-facing and forward-facing modes. Toddler seat holds up to 55 lbs for extended use.

Modular Design: Infant car seat sits directly on the frame, and the toddler seat easily converts to infant mode, cradling baby at a comfortable angle

Self-Standing Fold: The compact fold conveniently self-stands, with toddler seat attached (helps a LOT on the train!)

Extra-Large Storage Basket: Expands to over 2 feet in length with front and back access for convenience (hello, shopping!)

Large Cruiser Tires: Front-wheel swivel and rear-wheel suspension offer a smoother ride and superior maneuverability (fantastic for the unpredictable roads of NYC)

Includes SafeMax Infant Car Seat

Once I had the chance to take the stroller for a spin, it was such a smooth ride and I was instantly in love. I was really impressed with how smoothly the system drove and how gorgeous and neutral the gray color of the pivot modular travel system was.

Evenflo Xpand Bassinet

My favorite part though is the bassinet (toddler) attachment because it lays flat for sleeping. Sometimes we have a short way to go and don’t necessarily need to put her in a car seat. I love that she can lay flat with a large canopy in carriage mode if I walk to my mom’s house or to the grocery store.

If we are traveling with her, the infant car seat switches out super easily with one click. Having the extra portion is super helpful in case we have another baby family member or friend with us.

Evenflo Pivot Weight

We all know how important it is that the weight is manageable, especially when we are traveling with our strollers. We currently use the frame and the toddler seat (bassinet) the most and it’s pretty easy to maneuver. Here are the official specs:

Weight: Car Seat (without base) – 7.6 lbs Car Seat (with base) – 14 lbs Stroller frame + toddler seat – 28.6 lbs Total weight (car seat, base, stroller frame, seat) = 42.6 lbs

Plus the pivor xpand has been tested for structural integrity at energy levels approximately 2x the federal crash test standard which gives me a great peace of mind!

Facebook Live Review

A few months ago when I was still pregnant in the summer time, I did two Facebook lives on my Facebook page (if you are not following me, be sure the like the page!) detailing the ease of use in this video installation of the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. The first one was shot by my 9 year old and hilarity ensued.

The second one is a bit better, as I had hubby film, and it shows off more of the features:

We use the infant car seat and it is super easy to install the car seat base as we travel all over. I’ve always been a bit of a klutz when it comes to car seat installations, so I appreciate this one being so easy–with clear instructions on the side if I ever need any help! It also helps that it has sensorsafe ultimate connectivity and peace of mind for parents.

For the full demonstation (done by a professional this time!) check out the YouTube Video I recorded at the New York Baby Show.

I absolutely recommend this system if you are new parents, as well as gifts for new parents! For more information check out the Evenflo website here!

For more baby related posts check out:

What are the Benefits of Homemade Baby Food?

5 Sanity Saving Essentials You Need for a New Baby

Baby Magic Unveils Brand New Collection Of Baby Care Items

The BEST Disney Accessory For ANY Baby

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about me

I Suffer From Imposter Syndrome, Here Is How I’m Ending It Once And For All

by Nellie December 17, 2018

I’ve got a strong case of imposter syndrome. To be honest with you it is taking over my entire life. This imposter syndrome is not only painful it is also chronic and it is completely blinding.

Wikipedia definition: Impostor syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, impostorism, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.

I have openly been suffering with this imposter syndrome for 7 long blogging years. Even through all of my accomplishments, the accolades, and everything that I’ve done–I barely have enough confidence in myself to continue.

It’s been 2 1/2 years since I decided to do this blogging thing full time and become an entrepreneur. When I first started I had this amazing fire, I had all of these amazing plans. All of the free time to create from my heart was right at my fingertips. This same fire is there, but not nearly as big as it was back then.

I fell into the trap of comparing myself to pretty much everyone. Every time someone had a win I’d wonder do I have what it takes to get to that level? Or even worse I told myself that I simply did not have the juice to have that kind of success.

Meanwhile I was having tons of success on my own I was able to maintain a steady income being a blogger. You would think with every single press trip or with every big contract that I would continue to push forward and do even bigger things. To be completely honest with you once the magic of the new contract or the trip wore off it was like I was right back at square one again. Wondering if this was really for me, or not.

Honestly I can admit that another part of this was lack of recognition from some of my peers in the industry. My inner circle support system is awesome, but there were certain people I found myself desperate to impress. For some reason, I needed them to understand that not only was I good at what I do, I was a force to be reckoned with. I never got that validation from them, and I realized that I could no longer wait for it. Nor did I need it. None of these people provided me income, and I had done well this whole time without their stamp of approval. Once I let that go, it was just another step towards complete creative freedom.

The wild part is that I have a million ideas. I am constantly creating in my mind, I have a very full well of ideas to choose from literally 24/7. Being a creative is so easy and natural for me, and being in this space has been one of the most freeing and natural “jobs” I’ve ever had. The problem is that the imposter syndrome monster shoots every idea down. She is a real piece of work, she says things like: “People wouldn’t like that” “So and so would do that way better than you” or my favorite “who do you think you are? Insertbigbloggernamehere” It’s mind boggling how many ideas I have shot down before I ever gave them a chance to live.

In 2019, I am vowing to let go of the Imposter Syndrome.

It won’t be easy, and I am ready to fail–a lot–but I’m also ready to succeed. I’m ready to learn, stretch and grow into the creative that I know I am. I am determined to believe in myself and my ability to spread my message (and personality) to the world. I will stifle the negative voices once and for all. I will try new, radical ideas that I’ve always wanted to execute. I will stop second guessing myself. If it feels good, I will do/write/create whatever my heart tells me to, regardless of what everyone else is doing around me.

It’s so easy to get caught up in what is happening around us, in other people’s success, in trends, in doubt. It’s so easy to fall in line with all of the other soldiers. I urge you, my creative friends, step out of line in 2019. Do what you naturally want to do but are terrified to start. Imposter Syndrome is real. It’s incredibly powerful. The best part is, we can fight it by doing all the things we tell ourselves we can’t. Even if we fail, we are doing honest soul-driven work.

Here is to leveling up in 2019 and beyond.

5 Real and Unexpected Moments From My 3rd Pregnancy

by Nellie December 11, 2018

This is a sponsored post about the unexpected moments from my 3rd pregnancy written by me on behalf of Baby Dove.

Being pregnant for the third time, so long after my first two pregnancies, I have learned a lot of things I didn’t know the first (and second) time around.

1) You still have to mom…hard

So you know that feeling when you are sick and you hope that the kids will have mercy on you, but they don’t? That happens times 10 when you are pregnant. During my first trimester I hugged the couch so much and cried (internally) when I had to do basic tasks like cook and prepare meals for my children.

Although the kids are older (9 & 6) and more independent, I had to still be there for important school/camp events, school and extracurricular drop offs, and basic mom duties. You must complete all of these tasks while growing a human. Definitely more challenging the third time around!

2) Things are different, the older you are

Physically and mentally, things have changed dramatically since I was pregnant in my mid- twenties. Back then I was knee deep in my career, and having babies was all a part of the master plan. This baby wasn’t planned, I am now in my mid-thirties and have learned how to slow down and enjoy the process much more. Being an entrepreneur allowed me to feel every single part of this pregnancy and I am SO grateful for that.

3) Listening to your body is more critical than ever

Things aren’t as *young* as they were before! I was also fortunate enough to have babies before social media was such a critical part of our lives. Now I’m in all kinds of pregnancy Facebook groups and I do a LOT of googling with every single symptom. I probably know WAY more than I need to about side effects of pregnancy but I feel way more equipped and informed than ever. I know not to ignore certain symptoms, and I also know how to be an advocate for myself when it comes to my birth plan–way more than I ever did before.

4) You think you know it all? You don’t.

I’ve been pregnant TWICE, so I know it all … right? Nope. I’ve experienced so many NEW things in this pregnancy, some great and some not so great. For example, I gained around 50-60 pounds with each boy, with this girl I topped out at 25 pounds gained. I had an amazing appetite with the boys and now? I barely eat like I *want* to. Every pregnancy is different, I learned that really quickly this time around!

5) Working out actually made me feel normal

With my first pregnancy I didn’t go to the gym AT ALL. I was CRAZY nervous. With my second pregnancy I went until I couldn’t see my feet anymore and I became self-conscious. This time, I never stopped. I still lifted weights, got on the treadmill, elliptical and even worked out with Shaun T.

I was able to workout consistently until 33 weeks and I am proud of that! I ignored the belly looks and I went to take care of myself and my mental state. I slept better at night and I feel that I haven’t lost much progress on the muscle building front.

Another real and unexpected bonus of being pregnant again has been learning and using brand new products that are good for baby and nurturing for their skin. Now that I am more informed about the products that I use for ALL of my children I want to make sure that baby girl gets the best from the start.

I have been using Baby Dove with my newborn. It’s made with 100% skin-natural nutrients which is perfect for a delicate baby’s skin. The formula doesn’t have any dyes, parabens or phthalates, it’s hypoallergenic and has a tear free formula. I made sure to pack it in my baby bag so we can start things off right!

The products I chose to bring with me are the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash, Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Lotion and the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Bar. I love that they are all ophthalmologist, dermatologist and pediatrician tested. Plus, they have a mild and caring formula with a fragrance specifically developed for baby’s delicate skin. The gentle cleansers are mild and caring, and the lotion soothes dry skin from the first use and leaves skin feeling clean and soft.

Nothing but the best for baby!

Grab a coupon for savings on your next purchase of Baby Dove products, and don’t miss their cute new video!

This post was sponsored by Baby Dove. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

These were some real and unexpected moments from my 3rd pregnancy, what did you think?

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