Food & Recipes Archives | Joyful Messes

Food & Recipes April 17, 2023

Best Easy Homemade Kids Birthday Cake Ideas

One of the things I held on to for a long time was making my kids birthday cakes myself. I try to make whatever we have at home for their actual birthday and in the past I used to make some of their party cakes too. Caveat – I am not a professional baker, not even by a long shot. But, I was determined and a few of these actually came out pretty awesome so I thought I would share them here. The good news is you can make something special that doesn’t take a lot of skills, you can use boxed cake mix and store bought frosting if you want, no shame from me! (I know some of you are cringing right now, and that’s okay, make homemade if you are up for it, but I’m just pointing out you don’t HAVE to!) Just remember the secret ingredients in these easy…

Breastfeeding March 19, 2023

Yummy Milk Boosting Green Lactation Smoothie Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a yummy, milk-boosting green lactation smoothie recipe, you’re in for a treat! I’m sharing my favorite healthy green protein lactation smoothie recipe that I use to boost my milk supply while still safely losing the baby weight. This healthy lactation smoothie is an absolute must in my breastfeeding diet plan and you should add it to yours too! What you’ll find in this green lactation recipe are breastfeeding food superpowers! I love this green lactation shake because it gives all the important nutrients to my body that support a healthy and healing postpartum recovery. And, if you’re looking to increase your milk supply, this will become your go-to lactation recipe! RELATED READ: How To Create a Healthy Breastfeeding Diet Plan Minty Green Lactation Smoothie Recipe Ingredients 13-15 cashews 1 scoop of protein powder (this is the only protein powder that’s great for breastfeeding moms!) Half…

Food & Recipes March 15, 2023

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: A Family Recipe for Irish Soda Bread

St. Patrick’s Day Treat for the Whole Family Yup, that is me, as a wee one in my handmade ‘Erin Go Bragh’ jumper. My mom and her whole side of the family is from Ireland. As you can imagine St. Patrick’s Day is kind of a big deal. From decorating the house, to the full Irish meal we celebrate in style. I’ve made green pancakes and green beer etc., but the thing that is a must is Irish Soda Bread. As a little treat I’m sharing our family recipe for Irish Soda Bread that we make multiple loaves of every year. Ingredients: 6 cups flour ¾ cup sugar 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ cup margarine or butter 3 cups dark seedless raisins, soaked in water for 30 minutes then drained) 2 ¼ cup Buttermilk 1 beaten egg Instructions: Blend together…

Food & Recipes March 7, 2023

The Benefits of Cooking Together as a Family

Food is more than just a source of nourishment; it brings people together and strengthens relationships. Families cooking together can profoundly impact the family’s health, relationship, and overall well-being. This article will explore the benefits of cooking together and how it can positively impact your life. What are the Benefits of Cooking Together as a Family Preparing food together is an excellent way to spend quality time with loved ones. It is a fun and interactive activity that encourages communication, cooperation, and creativity. Cooking together allows family members to bond over a shared interest and create positive memories that last a lifetime. Moreover, cooking together has many health benefits, such as better control over ingredients, improved nutrition, and increased consumption of vegetables. Health Benefits of Family Cooking One of the biggest benefits of cooking together is that it allows for better control over ingredients. Families can choose healthier ingredients and control portion sizes when they…

Food & Recipes October 23, 2022

Toddler Lunch Meal Prep to Make Your Week Easier

The life of a mom with toddlers can be hectic, and sometimes feels like we are constantly running behind schedule! From the constant toy clean-up to the meals that require special prep to ensure the foods are safe, tasty, and healthy, and everything in between. A mother’s work is never done! Many “life-hacks” can save you time throughout your day. Prepping your toddler’s lunch meals for the week is one of these such hacks. You can do in about the same time it takes you to prep their lunch once! Here are some tips for practical meal prep of your toddler’s lunches to make your week easier. Bento Box The Bento Box is one of the most effective tools for creating school lunches full of flavor, color, and nutrients. This is a way to keep your toddler happily eating healthy foods! With multiple spill-proof sections, they are easy lunchboxes to use.…

Breastfeeding July 27, 2022

Top Picks for Breastfeeding Safe Protein Powders

Protein packed smoothies are a great way for moms to fill us with good calories, a good way to lose baby weight and help boost milk supply. Protein powder is safe for breastfeeding and can serve several purposes at once for both baby and mom. Protein shakes are such a great way to take in a lot of nutrients, which if you are breastfeeding, you need! Protein is so important for lactation and getting enough of it can be difficult for busy moms. Let’s talk about why protein powders are super helpful to breastfeeding moms. Are protein powders safe for breastfeeding mothers? Yes, here’s why: Protein powders offer high concentrates of essential vitamins and minerals that are normally difficult to consume Protein powders are filling and versatile for use in various shakes and recipes Protein powders are derived from organic and clean ingredients, not chemicals. Protein powders can be sweetened…

Milk Supply May 30, 2022

5 Blenders for Making Breast Milk Boosting Smoothies

Breastfeeding is not always as easy as it seems. Some mothers find themselves with a low breast milk supply, which can make breastfeeding difficult. Talks of having to supplement with formula when you really want to breastfeed exclusively can be frustrating. But you’re here because you’re not giving up just yet! There are smoothies that can help boost your milk supply, thankfully! Smoothies are very easy to whip up, made with natural ingredients, and delicious too! Though smoothies are not the sole solution to your problem, it can definitely help! In this blog, we recommend blenders that we found to be the best for this purpose. Whether you’re looking for a high-end blender or one that is more budget-friendly, we have you covered. Benefits of smoothies for breastfeeding mothers Smoothies are an easy way to get important vitamins and minerals into your diet. When you’re breastfeeding, you need more…

Food & Recipes May 5, 2022

Simple Brunch Ideas for All Ages

Spring is almost here! This means the season for brunches is upon us and, what better way to kick it off than with a family-style brunch with your loved ones enjoying food everyone will be certain to love! Brunch is traditionally a meal between the late morning and early afternoon and can consist of anything from french toast to sliders. Creating a simple yet tasty and aesthetically pleasing spread for your get together has never been easier! The key is to create a menu that has foods everyone will enjoy yet doesn’t put a huge stress on you. Items that can be made the day before are good to include as that will leave less for you to make the day of. Here are some ideas that will cater to all ages from the little ones to the grandparents! Fast and Sweet When it comes to sweet brunch…

Food For Kids April 3, 2022

Baby-Led Weaning

Your precious baby is growing before your eyes, and you know the time is nearing to introduce them to something other than breastmilk or formula. While this is a significant milestone for every baby, it can be stressful for the parents! What foods to start with, how to introduce them, and when exactly to start are essential things to consider. You may have been hearing about this not-so-new trend called “Baby-Led Weaning” and are wondering what exactly it is. When you hear this phrase and hear that it often starts around six months old, you may be wondering why wean your sweet baby so early? Baby-led weaning isn’t referring to weaning your infant off breastmilk or formula. It simply refers to beginning to introduce solids on your infant’s readiness schedule instead of baby cereal or jarred baby food. How To Know If Your Baby Is Ready One of the…

Food For Kids September 20, 2021

Kid Friendly Finger Foods for NYE

Since New Year’s Eve is a special night for everyone, it can be fun to have some kid friendly finger foods, adult appetizers, and other special treats for everyone to enjoy. The fun of New Year’s Eve is to stay up so that you can ring in the new year. If you are planning on staying in and spending the new year with the kids this New Year’s Eve, having some tasty finger foods for kids is a must. These kid friendly finger foods are perfect for New Year’s Eve and for ringing in the new year. They are easy to put together and everyone will love enjoying them during the celebration. Garlic Chicken Pinwheels An easy kid friendly finger food that only takes a few ingredients to make, these garlic chicken pinwheels are a delicious New Year’s Eve treat. Basic Cauliflower Fritters Simple and tasty, these easy cauliflower fritters…

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