Ashling Drew, Author at Joyful Messes

A Home Workout to Turn Up The Heat and Burn Off the Baby Weight

Burning calories is key to losing the baby weight. You want to get your metabolism running and burning as much as possible to shed those extra pounds. I have a go-to home workout that I use to achieve the cardio challenge I love when going on a run, while also strengthening my muscles. The key for me, is to have a workout that I know is challenging every time, I can do anywhere, and I breathe hard. Those are the essentials. This workout has you do the move for a period of time. I do this because you want to try and get more reps in each time you do the workout to ensure you are challenging yourself. This is a tough one. No laying around doing bridges while watching your favorite show. This is a sweat-tastic workout to torch those winter-food calories that are too sneaky. These moves are also…

5 Ways To Eat Healthier On The Go

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and the Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #NourishOnTheGo #CollectiveBias As moms, we are always on the go. Even in our own home we are running from dishes to wiping bottoms, to emails and back to dishes again. There’s a rare and sweet opportunity when we sneak off to our favorite hiding place, which lasts about 1 minute before we hear a disaster brewing. Eating healthy is difficult being so busy, so here are: 5 ways to eat healthier on the go: Focus on What You Can Grab: Fill your fridge with healthy items you can grab. These are things like fresh-cut fruit, protein shakes and juices, apples or cheese sticks. I personally love these Odwalla Juices, the Groovin Greens Fruite and Veggie drink because its straight up clean and pure. Drinking vitamins is one of your best choices for…

Super Fast Fuel for Busy Moms to Burn Fat All Day

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC., The Coca-Cola Company, and Conagra Brands all opinions are mine alone. #PowerfullySmart #CollectiveBias Burning fat isn’t just for the gym. You can eat the right fuel sources to burn fat after your meal and in between your workouts. With the proper nutrient combinations, you are giving your body the energy it needs to build muscle, rather than store calories. The problem most of us have is the time to make and prepare the meals we need. I know for myself, I don’t have time to chop up seven different stir fry vegetables. But, there is a solution of faster meal options for us moms that will help us continue achieving our fitness goals, rather than giving up to the bowls of macaroni and cheese or chicken nuggets. First, let’s talk about what type of meals burn fat. There’s a popular trend…

Creating the Perfect Changing Station

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MoreHuggiesMoreSavings #CollectiveBias Crafting the perfect changing station is actually super important. With a new baby, you do a lot of diaper changing. Like a lot. My baby is almost 1 year now, and I am still changing his diaper a lot. With two older toddlers and a baby, it is essential to have everything you need right next to you. My sister is due in a few weeks with her third baby, so I popped over to help her craft her perfect changing station to ensure she’s ready to take on life as a mom of three. Creating the Perfect Changing Station First, your diaper choice is very, very important. We both use Huggies®. I recently signed up for a Sam’s Club Membership because they have a super special happening! The Savings Membership level…

Where To Start When Shopping For a Stroller

I’ve been obsessed with strollers in my almost-five years of being a mom. I’ve had joggers, double joggers, umbrella strollers, standard double strollers and more. There’s some information you should know when you are a new mom thinking about which stroller you might want to invest in. I talked about how I forgot an umbrella stroller on my first registry. I’ll go over that here, as well as what each stroller-type is, and the kind I recommend. It’s important that you know all of this because I had no idea, and ended up buying and returning a few strollers. This post contains affiliate links. First, think about how many babies you are planning on having. I originally chose the BOB Stroller for my first baby. If you are planning on only having one child, this stroller is AMAZING! There is a reason it’s so popular and I loved it, but…

Fall and Winter Fashion List For Moms

I have to admit I spend a lot more time in my pajamas and workout clothes than I’d like to admit. On the days I get a workout in, I usually don’t get out of my workout clothes until everyone is in bed, and I can finally shower and put pajamas on. There are times I do want to look like the fashionable person I once was, and I still lust over high wedges and heels that I can’t possibly wear as anymore as a mom. this post contains affiliate links But, I have found some fabulous items that are conducive to momlife and totally stylish! Here’s my list! Jeans/Pants: Sweaters and Jackets: Vests: Boots and Shoes: Hats: I know this is a man, but its such a cute hat! And, I’ve got more super cute items over at my Venndy story! Check out the list below!

8 Healthy Crockpot Recipes To Warm Your Soul and Keep Your Skinny Jeans Fitting

It’s the time of year we all start craving warm soups, savory dishes and comfort food. The cold air, fall leaves and spices bring the strong feelings of family and eating. This can make it hard to keep up with your fitness goals and stay healthy, but thanks to all the amazing cooks out there, I’ve found some super yummy and cozy healthy crockpot recipes that will warm your soul. Crock Pot Low Carb Lasagna from Well Plated by Erin. PALEO TURKEY CHILI by the Clean Eating Couple. WHOLE30 & PALEO POT ROAST by Noshtastic. CREAMY SWEET POTATO BACON CHOWDER (DAIRY FREE) by Savory Lotus SPICY CROCKPOT PUMPKIN SOUP by Eat the Gains SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE, SPINACH AND WHITE BEAN SOUP by Damn Delicious SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI SQUASH AND MEATBALLS by All Day I Dream About Food Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Potato Soup by A Spicy Perspective

Seriously Honest, Non-Sugar Coated Labor Tips from A Mom of Three

No matter what pregnancy I was mentally preparing for, I ALWAYS read a lot of labor stories near the end. I had like to envision situations and read about mothers who survived the pain. After reading many posts on prepping for labor, I felt like a lot of the truth, and hard reality of labor was left out. You know, how the pain really felt. The things that could go wrong. I decided to write down some of the things that I know would’ve helped me mentally and emotionally prepare, even if it isn’t what I wanted to hear. You have to go through labor no matter what, and I think being prepared for all things is really helpful. I actually wrote this post a couple years ago, while my sister and I were pregnant at the same time. She was pregnant with her first, and me my third. It…

Super Simple Halloween Cookies for Little Toddlers

Happy October! Halloween is coming fast, and we had some Halloween fun already making these super simple cookies. I’ve seen lots of cookies that look so awesome on Pinterest, yet I just don’t have the time to create them myself, and I prefer to have less-than perfect creations that I can make with my kids, so here’s some super simple ideas for you. First, we all know I’m not Betty Crocker here, so I started with some Oreo-like cookies, but the off-brand was on sale, so naturally I chose those. I chose these because they are sturdy, making them easier for the kids to frost. If you have soft cookies, they will break when the kids try to frost them. I also used large, square Marshmallows because they have a good base for mummies and monster heads. I also have little kids, so we can’t get too elaborate here. My…

Special Great Grains Ibotta Offer For Fall Breakfasts

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GreatGrainsGreatStart #CerealAnytime #CollectiveBias You can become a Great (Grains) Connoisseur starting this fall with the opportunity to earn $3.50 cash back on ibotta on the purchase of 2 Great Grains extra flaky, delicious cereals. Great Grains are made with delicious clusters, real fruits, wholesome nuts, and crunchy flakes. Good things come together to make one great thing. With several different flavors to choose from, you are set for a Great Start to any day or occasion! Make sure to cash in on this offer and try out Great Grains cereals. Follow #GreatGrainsGreatStart for delicious recipes featuring their products.

Ashling Drew