Mom Jeans and Minivans

Quick and Tasty Meal Ideas for Staying Home During Coronavirus and Beyond

Food, food, food! Let’s face it, we all love eating it, but this coronavirus has most people searching for easy, yet tasty recipes. Morgen and Trisha have ideas that are sure to satisfy the whole family, from babies to adults. 

Their go-to during Covid-19 ideas are the ones where there is a simple base that can have interchangeable ingredients added to appease everyone’s taste buds. We’re talking fried rice, breakfast egg muffins, and new creative pizza toppings. So fun!

The ladies discuss their one-pot dishes, make-ahead marinades, and new cocktails that sound simply delish. Let’s not forget the pie dishes either. Pot pies and shepherds pies that can be made and eaten right away, but can also be frozen for the nights when the motivation to cook isn’t there. Morgen always declares she is Italian when it is time to cook in big batches and freeze for future nights. Listen in to hear her freezer stash ideas, assuming you have the room in your freezer or are lucky enough to have a backup freezer in the house. 

Try to listen when you’re not hungry because this episode will be sure to have your mouth watering. The hope is this episode will spark some ideas and creativity in the kitchen for your coronavirus meal solutions. Feel free to share your recipes with Morgen and Trisha at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com because if there is anything these two know how to talk about, it is food! Don't see a recipe they discussed, feel free to email them and they will happily share. Enjoy and bon appetite!

 

Links:

 

Chicken and rice with scallion-ginger sauce recipe

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020888-chicken-and-rice-with-scallion-ginger-sauce?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share

 

Shepherds pie - eat2explore

https://eat2explore.com/collections/mixes/products/spice-sauce-grain-mixes-per-recipe?variant=31896750424118

 

Creamed Eggs

Boil 6-8 eggs. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Slowly blend in 4 tablespoons flour with a little salt and pepper. Use a wire whisk and mix. Then SLOWLY blend in 2 cups milk. Keep stirring on medium to high heat until bubbly. Lower temperature and put in cut-up broiled eggs and stir. Serve over English muffins. 🥰

 

Infantino Squeeze Pouches

http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-208-101-Squeeze-Station/dp/B009IVKY7Q

How Do You Raise Girls With Positive Self Image

Morgen and Trisha are joined by Christina to discuss positive self-image, what that means, and how they want to be examples for their girls.

Christina and her husband, Scot, have two teenage daughters, so they are right in the thick of it. Christina is such a positive influence in her girls' lives, and she explains how she has an open-door policy with them, being completely candid, truthful, and honest about all things. We mention Scot because fathers are often the most influential when it comes to body image and confidence in females, so listen up fellas! 

Positive self-image starts when kids are young! The ladies try their best to react to their toddlers the way they'd want someone to respond to them (pfff, easier said than done, or as Morgen states, "it all depends on the time of day,"). 

The ladies consider all aspects of self-image. Why people enjoy drugs and become addicted, and when it comes to body image, it's not about how you look as much as it is about how you feel. Girls these days aren't just feeling the pressures of body image; they also are faced with the pressures of success both in their careers and financially. Christina shares how she navigates this road with her own teenagers. 

Don't miss the end where Trisha delivers a very real momfession, Morgen comes out with a dadfession, and Christina shares a secretfession.

 

"You're beautiful just the way you are." -Alessia Cara 

 

Links:

 

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Warrior-Memoir-Glennon-Doyle/dp/1250075734

Stay at Home Activities for the Entire Family

The coronavirus has everyone spending a lot more time at home. Are you going stir crazy and running out of ideas on how to entertain your kiddos? 

In this episode, Mom Jeans and Minivans have tons of ideas for the entire family that are both indoors and outdoors, ranging from 'clean' finger painting, starting a garden, and receiving an inspirational text from a celebrity. You'll have to check out the episode for the celebrity's number. Morgen and Trisha share countless free live stream videos available from storytelling, dancing, or getting in that much needed workout. Morgen's has a fun "bear hunt" idea where the whole neighborhood can get involved, and Trisha shares her favorite website for fun science experiments. 

The possibilities are endless. This might be their most informational packed episode yet. Enjoy the show and stay safe and healthy everyone! Thanks for listening in!

Do you have a favorite #stayathome activity you want to share with Mom Jeans and Minivans? Email the ladies at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

 

Links:

 

eat2explore :

https://eat2explore.com

 

Dawny Dew: 

http://www.dawnydew.com/

 

Jack Hartmann:

https://jackhartmann.com

 

Elephant toothpaste science experiment:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/make-elephant-toothpaste/

 

PSA Sesame Street Video Wash Your Hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQn0z6xa8II

 

PSA Sesame Street with relevant new videos, printables and learning-at-home resources for your family in English and en español: 

https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring

 

Getty Museum Art Challenge: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2020/04/03/people-are-re-creating-famous-artworks-with-their-pets-whatever-else-is-lying-around/

 

Video of Tampa Zoo where Penguins roam free while closed: 

Penguins roam free

 

Neighborhood Bear Hunts: 

https://time.com/5809613/bear-hunts-coronavirus/

 

At Home Ballet Workout with the Cindies: 

 

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 2pm EST on Instagram Live

@jamesbwhiteside

@isabellaboylston

#thecindiesballetclass

 

Lil' Mama-Sode: Taking Daily Moments of Sanity for Yourself

Welcome to Mom Jeans and Minivan's first Lil' Mama-sode! A shortened episode still packed with goodness. 

This shorty but goody is all about how Morgen and Trisha find daily moments of sanity while they're raising their 1-year-olds. We know, we know, you're thinking, "moments of sanity, ppfffff like that exists." It is far and few between, but when it does happen, it is glorious! Ever catch a morning when the babe has slept later than usual, and you can enjoy your first cup of coffee in silence as the birds chirp outside, and the sun is rising in the sky? Time seems to stand still in those moments, right!?! How about foregoing sleep at night to binge-watch a show on tv? Perhaps not the best decision, but it sure feels good in the moment.

Morgen and Trisha take a couple of deep breaths in this episode just thinking about these rare moments of bliss and hope you take one too. If Charlie were around, she'd mimic you, so maybe take two and see how you do!

 

Links: 

 

Article, "Why being the parent of a 1-year-old is simply exhausting":

https://www.mother.ly/life/why-being-the-parent-of-a-1-year-old-is-simply-exhausting

Momma's (and Dads) We Look Up to as We Raise Our Littles

Trisha says that she’s never wanted to be the best version of herself more than she does now that she is a mom, and we have a feeling most moms out there feel the same. This week Morgen & Trisha pay homage to the women (and men) in their lives that have been instrumental to them with the way they choose to raise Charlie and Remi. 

Some parents seamlessly pick up their lives right where they left off before they had kids. Camping in Iceland with a toddler, sure why not?  Road trip with three kiddos, no problem. The ladies of the show are watching these parents make it happen, and are taking notes so they can sprinkle a little more of it in their lives. 

Then you have the moms out there who seem to have endless patience and are so calm under pressure and stress. But How? No seriously, how do some moms go with the flow so well?  Then there are the moms who have older children, and the ladies are in awe of the relationship they have created and the kiddos they have raised. One glass of whatever you are doing, please! You know what, you better make it a double. The most influential, however, have been Trisha and Morgen’s own moms, and they discuss just how instrumental they have been with raising Remi and Charlie. 

Although Morgen’s hormones got the best of her in this show, that is what our show and life is all about. Keeping it real, staying humble, and being unabashedly true to ourselves. Listen in and feel inspired along with us, and maybe shed a tear or two along with Morgen.

Wintertime Prevention, Cold Remedies, and Facts on the Coronavirus

All of us here at Mom Jeans and Minivans hope everyone out there is healthy and safe in this uncertain time of the Coronavirus pandemic. This week's episode was already recorded when the Coronavirus struck. An excerpt was added on the Coronavirus at the beginning of this episode as it related to this week's topic on wintertime preventions. We did some research on our own and noticed there was a lot of false information out there about the Coronavirus, so we wanted to provide you with some facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Know the symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and how to differentiate between the common cold and the virus.

This episode is chock full of information on fighting back against the common cold and flu and is on the list of Morgen & Trisha’s most favorite episodes. The ladies do their best to provide the girls with balanced meals, leaning heavily in the fruit and veggie categories. And now that Charlie & Remi are a bit older (cue tears streaming down the cheek at the mention of them getting older), the supplements they are given has changed, which is discussed. 

There is no avoiding the common cold, so when it does strike at home Morgen & Trisha have some useful remedies you’ll want to take note of. Let’s just say that homemade chicken noodle soup might be the hidden cure for the common cold, seriously! It’s a must-try. Did you know there is an essential oil you can add to a humidifier that helps with congestion? Listen in to find out what it is. Local honey! Trisha is a huge believer in the healing effects and speaks on how it has been a game-changer in her home. Ever hear of Oogiebear? Neither had Morgen & Trisha until Trisha’s sister had her baby shower and received it as a gift. You’re not going to want to miss this episode, especially with the momfessions talking about some of their most unsanitary mom fails. 

 

Links:

 

CDC article on Coronavirus facts:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html

 

Oogiebear:

https://www.target.com/p/oogiebear-the-better-booger-tool-nose-ear-cleaner-blue/-/A-21539186?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9004308&ds_rl=1242884&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuujYtr_-5wIVBY7ICh2drAYLEAQYASABEgKBEvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Renzo's Picky Eater Multi with Iron, Dissolvable Vegan Vitamins for Kids:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XXQNYXG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Baby Vitamin D Drops:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BVIBMO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Liquid Vitamin C:

https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Liquid-Vitamin-8-Fluid/dp/B000WUCBS2/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1-3yBRCmARIsAN7B4H335L-m5j0nqU1OPl1j73Knh5QU4Xy2HxyoxH7ZWvxQIsni88tIuioaAludEALw_wcB&hvadid=177785302226&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003833&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9612453410927823641&hvtargid=kwd-17756634976&hydadcr=21250_9691039&keywords=nature%27s+answer+liquid+vitamin+c&qid=1583069443&sr=8-5

 

Boogie Wipes with saline:

https://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Wipes-Gentle-Saline-Original/dp/B001PN82LA

 

Zarbees natural cold medecine:

https://www.zarbees.com/products/baby/

 

Chestal Children's Cold and Cough Syrup:

https://www.boironusa.com/products/childrens-chestal-cold-cough/

The Sharent Trap: Parents Sharing on Social Media

Have you ever been caught in a sharent trap? You know, where you share too much of your kiddos on social media! Knowing if, or when, to post pictures of your children is not always an easy decision. Especially when your child is the cutest kiddo in the whole world, and you want everyone to see. There are so many circumstances to think about, especially safety and privacy. Where do you draw the line and what kind of precautions do you take?
Morgen and Trisha discuss the different ways they approach social media and how they strive to find a balance when they share information. They also discuss social media alternatives for sharing pictures and videos of the girls. Oddly enough, sharing stories about Charlie and Remi on the podcast feels the safest and the most comfortable for them both, so thanks for being such great listeners and supporters! And if you have any tips or tricks for how you share pictures, Morgen and Trisha would love to hear them. 

How Friendships Change Once You Have Kids

You knew it would happen once you became a parent. Friendships have changed with having kids. This week's episode is all about these friendships. Parenting styles, discipline, and hygiene can all can play a part in whether a bond soars or fizzles.
Morgen and Trisha discuss their opinions on screentime in restaurants, on friends and family who have stepped up and surprised them once the babes came along, and on the struggles to not judge other parents.
Have you encountered your own friendships that have blossomed or wilted once you had kids? Share your story with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com.

Me Talk Pretty One Day, Toddlers and Language Development

Pediatrician visits brought on new developmental milestones that Remi & Charlie should be reaching, and the ladies discuss the one question that got into their heads from their visits.

Are you worried about how many words your child is saying?
It’s hard not to compare your child to others, especially when it comes to their development, but Morgen and Trisha try to keep two major things in mind. First, each child develops at their own pace. Secondly, to pay attention to their overall progress because that is more important than the specifics. Baby steps people, baby steps!

Listen in as Morgen & Trisha go through their language development checklist (and Morgen tries out her British accent, apologies ahead of time to the Brit’s listening in) and decide for yourself where you could improve and where you are excelling!

 

Links:

 

Helping toddlers expand their language skills article:

 

http://www.childmind.org/article/helping-toddlers-expand-their-language-skills/

 

 

Language development of 1-2-year-olds article:

 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/development/language-development/language-1-2-years

Does Being a Parent Make You Well Rounded?

Morgen and Trisha welcome Jessica, Trisha's identical twin sister, to the show as they discuss why being a mom or really any caregiver, whether it's a father, a stepparent, a grandparent, or an aunt makes them well-rounded individuals.

It wasn't until the ladies became moms that they realized their capacity for love, which also has given them a greater sense of empathy, patience, and compassion in their daily lives. They've become better at time management, improved their health, and have found ways to create boundaries and balance.

The bottom line is being a mom is rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. If you're anything like Morgen, Trisha, or Jessica, then you sometimes find yourself focusing too much on the things you feel you're not doing well. Today is all about taking a step back and acknowledging all that you are and all that you do, no matter who you are or what role you play. So cheers to killing it, and being a more well-rounded individual! 

 

Links:

Zip sheets-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RJ9TCY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AwltEbDZQ1NGG